Red Bull’s Helmut Marko has pinned the blame on Lewis Hamilton for ruining Max Verstappen’s qualification.
Hamilton took pole position at the Hungaroring; the eighth time he has achieved this feat. However, controversy accompanied the victory, as an incident which took place earlier tagged along.
With Verstappen and Sergio Perez behind him, Hamilton deliberately slowed down to keep them behind him. Although the Dutchman was able to make it to the chequered flag and try again, Perez had to make do with his previous lap. Meanwhile, both Hamilton and Verstappen failed to better their previous efforts, which meant Lewis held on to pole.
This did not go down well with Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko. He voiced his disapproval of Hamilton’s tactics, and blamed him for doing it on purpose.
“Hamilton prevented Max from setting a fast time again,” Marko said.
“It gave him a beautiful flute concert. Thank God nothing has changed. It’s just the usual games.
“From a sporting point of view, I don’t see that this is correct, but we have to remember this,” Marko concluded. He may have suggested that Red Bull could choose to do the same thing to Mercedes if the opportunity presents itself.
In prime position
Hamilton, however, will not be too bothered by Red Bull or Marko. In fact, he was pleased with the result. The fact that his teammate, Valtteri Bottas, qualified right behind him added to the success of the day.
“It was an amazing qualifying lap, that last one. Amazing teamwork from everyone this weekend, trying to push the car forward, developing constantly. It has been amazing to see everyone rallying together,” Hamilton said.
Red Bull must be smarting from the cheeky move by Hamilton, but they know the race is far from over. If they get a good start, the template strategy may go out the window.
There is everything to play for, and they will be gunning for the win.
Read more: Helmut Marko wants Hamilton suspended for next race – “We will come up with new evidence”