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Red Bull's Dr. Helmut Marko says that the chapter regarding Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen's clash in Azerbaijan is closed. The two Red Bull's came together at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix just under two weeks ago, causing both drivers to retire.
"There is no bad blood. The chapter is closed," the former Austrian Grand Prix driver told Sport Bild. "They have to have enough brains that they don't get into a situation like that. We let them race, but they have to show respect, which they didn't do."
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Marko admitted that he thinks Verstappen has to learn to give in a position when being overtaken. The head of Red Bull's junior programme drew comparisons to Sebastian Vettel, who spent six seasons with the energy drink team.
"Max wants too much and puts himself under too much pressure," he said. "He has to learn to be able to give in sometimes - especially now, because of the frequency of the incidents. It's hard for him, but he knows. It was also the same with Sebastian in the past. I see the parallels.
"Max knows that he will be automatically blamed for the next incident, whether he can do anything about it or not. We also need the points," he said. "So next time he has to think even more than he did before."
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
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Replies (4)
Login to replyajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I believe there is not bad blood between Daniel and Max because (1) Max knows he's mainly responsible, (2) Daniel played it cool as usual, and acknowledged he was partly responsible, (3) they didn't trash each other in the press. Now regarding drama at Red Bull... That will never be over until that Helmut bastard is gone. He's they root of most of the intrigue, back stabbing, and overall drama at Red Bull. Also, I disagree that Sebastián had the same challenges. Of course he had bad races, but I don't think there was ever a period like Max's.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Im not sure, it might be that there isnt officially bad blood between them, but I expect things to hit the fan if this is repeated. There is already impatience brewing, and one more incident like this might not be pretty. But I agree that the root of all of this is the likes of Marko.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
So you think it was just very good PR management after the race? I admit I was shocked to see how calm and collected both were, so shocked that I believe it was largely believe it was genuine. The other reason was that I actually think Max respect Daniel, he's always been quick to apologize in previous (2) incidents. Or maybe he's just afraid of the old bastard Helmut :)
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Not just good PR management, no. Things were probably cooled off after the race (maybe with the help of one or two "or elses" from everyone's dear Marko ;) but I dont think either driver will forget this quickly. Things were pretty okay at Merc' before they "got gud", they had two friends in the same team under Wolff's watchful eye. When they begun scoring wins, it all went to shyte. Max and Ricciardo seem to get along well enough, but if this repeats itself, things will get alot harder. Especially if wins are at the table. The two are very competitive drivers, and they are in it to win it.