(Singapore) Max Verstappen responded to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff on Thursday after he downplayed the significance of the record he set for consecutive Formula 1 victories, and suggested in the same breath that his Rivals are inspired by his feat to improve.
After Verstappen became the first F1 driver to score 10 consecutive victories at the Italian Grand Prix, Wolff said the record was “for Wikipedia” and “represents nothing to me”.
Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, the Dutchman said Wolff’s comments were made out of anger and disappointment over Mercedes’ poor results at Monza. George Russell finished in fifth place, just ahead of Lewis Hamilton, and the Mercedes drivers were never able to threaten Red Bull and Ferrari for a podium place.
Verstappen added that his opponents should take inspiration from Red Bull’s dominance this season.
PHOTO BEN STANSALL, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal
“It is essential to focus only on your own team. This is what we do. That’s what we always did, even when we were behind them (Mercedes) and they were dominating the series,” Verstappen recalled.
“And I think we should appreciate the fact that one team surpasses all the others, like they (Mercedes) did in the past, because it can serve as a source of inspiration for others as they were for us at the time, continued the reigning double world champion. We were aware that we had to redouble our efforts, to improve and try to catch up with them. And now that we’ve achieved it, we’re very happy to be in this position, of course, and we’re enjoying the moment. So, to be quite frank, that’s all I can say on this issue. »
Verstappen has never triumphed in Singapore. He is also looking for a first career victory at the Qatar Grand Prix, as well as the Las Vegas Grand Prix – which will premiere this fall. His Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez won the Singapore Grand Prix last year.