Mercedes’ Toto Wolff comments on Verstappen’s new record

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has expressed his opinion about Max Verstappen’s achievement of 10 consecutive wins in a season, stating that such records are “completely irrelevant.” The Red Bull driver’s recent victory at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday saw him surpass Sebastian Vettel’s record of nine straight wins in 2013, a feat that Mercedes was unable to achieve during their dominant period from 2014 to 2020.

Wolff’s perspective is that these records were not a focal point even during Mercedes’ successful era, and he was unaware of the count of consecutive wins. However, he did acknowledge the high level of competition Verstappen represents, emphasizing the combination of a great driver and a great car.

In another comment on Verstappen, Wolff conceded that the record was noteworthy, as it represents a level of perfection in performance: “By the way, that record, I would think it’s a good one, because it’s perfection.” He also suggested that Red Bull could continue their winning streak this season unless they make a significant mistake.

Ferrari’s team principal, Frederic Vasseur, praised Red Bull’s consistent pace over the past two years and highlighted Verstappen’s remarkable ability to avoid race mistakes, even under pressure.

Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, emphasized the need to appreciate and acknowledge Verstappen’s special achievement, considering it a golden moment for both him and the team.

Regarding concerns about Red Bull’s current domination in F1, Wolff emphasized that if a team like Red Bull is performing at such a high level while adhering to the regulations, they deserve recognition. He maintained that Formula 1 is a meritocracy, and teams should be commended for their success. He also stressed the importance of not trying to script or manipulate the sport for entertainment purposes, advocating for the sport’s integrity.

Leon Osamor