Max Verstappen has responded to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff’s comments that his record breaking victory at the Italian GP was irrelevant, saying that the Austrian was probably just frustrated after a “s**t race”.
Wolff said after the race in Monza, where Verstappen claimed a record 10th straight victory, that the statistic was “irrelevant” and simply a Wikipedia entry, while Lewis Hamilton also downplayed the Dutchman’s inter-team competition.
While Red Bull and Verstappen had another dominant outing, securing a 1-2 finish ahead of Ferrari, Mercedes struggled with the low-downforce setup and high-speed straights and were some way back from the top four.
Asked about what he thought of Wolff’s comments ahead of the Singapore GP, Verstappen told media he believed the Mercedes’ team boss’ comments were a result of his own frustration.
“I’m not disappointed in that but I mean, they had a pretty shit race so probably was still pissed off with their performance. He almost sounds like he is an employee of our team sometimes you know, but luckily not,” he said.
“I think it’s just important that you focus on your own team. That’s what we did in the past as well when we were behind them and when they were dominating, and I think we should be able to appreciate when team is doing really well, which I think we’ve done in the past.
“Because it worked also as a kind of inspiration. You know, to see someone that dominant was very impressive at the time. And we knew that we just had to work harder and try to be better and try to get to that level.
“And now that we are there we are very happy of course that we are there and we are enjoying the moment and honestly that’s all I can say about it.”
‘Not as competitive’
While Red Bull have been in dominant form throughout 2023, winning every race so far this season, Verstappen cautioned that the team’s car could struggle more on the streets of Singapore.
“I think we just not as competitive as other tracks. I think the street circuits are a little bit tougher for our car. I still think that we can do a good job but it will be very tight,” he said.
Verstappen is gunning for an 11th straight victory at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
