Helmut Marko has retaliated against Lewis Hamilton for his involvement in the Max Verstappen incident at last weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
Seven laps from the finale, Hamilton collided with Verstappen as the Dutch driver sought to pass his old nemesis coming into Turn 1.
The judgement is still out on who’s to blame, with both Hamilton and Verstappen firing their own shots in the days following the event.
In classic playground manner, the two drivers have pointed the blame at one other, but in the eyes of the stewards, the incident—which saw Verstappen’s vehicle spin into the air—was nothing more than an accidental coming together.The verdict stated, “The Stewards do not believe this to be a typical example of ‘changing direction under braking,’ yet it is our determination that the driver of Car 44 [Lewis Hamilton] should have done more to avoid the accident.”
Marko’s interpretation of the situation varied, with the Red Bull adviser telling speedweek.com: “I spoke with Verstappen about it: Certainly, while braking, the wheels of his vehicle obstructed, but he would have managed this turn, therefore there was no issue of him losing control of his car.
“Max was ahead, but Hamilton simply gave up; everyone could see what occurred next.”
Verstappen finished sixth at the Hungaroring following a frustrating day of labour.
The incumbent world champion got embroiled in an altercation with Lando Norris on the race’s first lap, forcing him to give up his place to the McLaren driver.
Despite the rare off day, Marko is convinced Verstappen will win the Drivers’ Championship.
Marko went on to say, “Max still leads the drivers’ title by 76 points.” McLaren now has 51 constructors’ championship points.
“Verstappen’s advantage essentially implies three race victories, which is plenty, if not reassuring.” We need to show consistent performance and win on our own again.”
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