Red Bull’s Helmut Marko says Mercedes are now targeting their pit equipment in title duel

Lewis Hamilton's 'natural ability is fantastic' says Button

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Red Bull’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has accused Mercedes of targetting the team’s pit-stop equipment, after turning their attention from questioning the legality of their rear wings in recent races.

The tension between the two teams has been bubbling away over the opening six races of the championship as their two drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, go head-to-head for the world title this season.

Verstappen and Hamilton have been fierce rivals this season, often going wheel-to-wheel in epic battles for the championship title, with the Dutchman currently leading the way by four points heading into round seven.

And their teams Mercedes and Red Bull have shared plenty of warring words off track too, with team principals Christian Horner and Toto Wolff sparring over the Milton Keynes-based outfit’s car.

The flexi-wing debacle started back in Spain when Hamilton question what he said looked like a ‘bendy wing’ being run by Red Bull.

JUST IN:
Lewis Hamilton responds to Max Verstappen pressure talk 

But now Marko has suggested Mercedes have taken aim at something new at Red Bull, their speedy and consistently smooth pit-stops.

However, Marko has dismissed the reported accusations as just mind games.

“Now they have also marked our pit stop material as illegal,” Marko told German outlet RTL.

“But that is also all hot air.

“So we concentrate on racing and we want to be optimally prepared for that.

“We do not concern ourselves with these peripheral matters. The uncertainty that Mercedes has shown, the psychological war they are waging, that says enough.

DON’T MISS:
Lewis Hamilton responds to Max Verstappen pressure talk 
Williams advisor Jenson Button tells Mercedes of ‘best option’
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen reflect on relationship

“Max [Verstappen] has said it before but we do our talking on the track.

“Mercedes is nervous. You can tell by their reaction, but we are not stooping to their level.

“We continue to focus on real things. The whole rear wing story was also just a storm in a teacup.”

Red Bull lead the standings by 26 points over Mercedes, with Verstappen leading Hamilton by four points after Mercedes suffered two tough weekends in a row.

Hamilton is looking to become the most successful F1 driver in history with an eighth world title, whereas Verstappen is looking to take his maiden title alongside Red Bull, their first title since 2013.

Yet Marko knows how tough the battle will be against the seven-time world champions.

“Our whole team is highly motivated. We have suffered from Mercedes dominance for a long time,” he added.

“There is a cohesion, a fascination, and a passion that distinguishes us, the whole team is eager and hungry for this World Championship title.”

Source: Read Full Article