F1 News:Marko Dismisses Hamilton Threat, Says Verstappen R…read more
Marko Dismisses Hamilton Threat, Says Verstappen R…read more
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has cast doubt on the possibility of Lewis Hamilton reigniting his rivalry with Max Verstappen, suggesting the seven-time world champion is no longer a serious threat to the Dutchman’s dominance.
Hamilton and Verstappen were engaged in one of the most intense title battles in Formula 1 history during the 2021 season, culminating in a dramatic and controversial final race in Abu Dhabi. However, since then, Verstappen has firmly established himself as the dominant force in the sport, winning three consecutive world championships with Red Bull.
Marko Questions Hamilton’s Competitiveness
Speaking in a recent interview, Marko expressed skepticism over whether Hamilton could once again challenge Verstappen for the title. The 80-year-old Red Bull advisor suggested that Mercedes’ struggles in the past two seasons have left the British driver unable to compete at the highest level.
“Hamilton is undoubtedly one of the greatest drivers in F1 history, but right now, he is not in a position to challenge Max,” Marko said. “Mercedes has not provided him with a car capable of competing for victories, and I doubt we will see the same level of rivalry that we did in 2021.”
Marko’s comments come amid a difficult period for Hamilton and Mercedes, who have been unable to match Red Bull’s pace since the introduction of new aerodynamic regulations in 2022. While Hamilton has consistently finished on the podium, he has yet to secure a race victory since the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in December 2021.
Verstappen’s Dominance Continues
Meanwhile, Verstappen has continued to dominate the grid, with Red Bull’s RB20 proving to be the class of the field. The Dutch driver has won the majority of races in recent seasons, often finishing with significant gaps over his nearest competitors.
With Verstappen’s supremacy showing no signs of waning, Marko believes the days of a fierce Hamilton-Verstappen rivalry are over.
“Max is in his prime, and he has the best team behind him,” Marko continued. “Right now, I don’t see anyone posing a real threat to him. Maybe in the future, we will see a new challenger emerge, but I don’t think it will be Hamilton.”
Can Mercedes Close the Gap?
Despite Marko’s remarks, Mercedes remains determined to return to the top. Team principal Toto Wolff has repeatedly stated that the Silver Arrows are working hard to close the performance gap to Red Bull. However, progress has been slow, and Hamilton himself has voiced frustrations over the car’s limitations.
The British driver, who will be moving to Ferrari in 2025, remains hopeful that he can return to winning ways before his departure. However, with Red Bull maintaining its advantage, the chances of another Hamilton-Verstappen title showdown appear slim.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on whether Mercedes can deliver a car capable of challenging Red Bull. Until then, Verstappen’s dominance seems set to continue, with Marko confident that Hamilton is no longer a serious contender for the championship.
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