Max Verstappen has fired back at Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, after the Austrian insisted that the Dutchman’s recent record is just “for Wikipedia”.
The reigning World Champion claimed his 10th consecutive victory recently at the Italian Grand Prix, which saw him eclipse Sebastian Vettel’s 2013 record for nine wins in a row.
It’s a feat very few thought was possible, yet Verstappen now looks set to extend his winning streak to 11 races this weekend at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Verstappen is in a complete league of his own, with Mercedes having absolutely no answer to the 25-year-old or Red Bull.
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The Silver Arrows actually endured a disappointing weekend at Monza, something which didn’t put Wolff in the best of moods.
His mood wasn’t helped by the fact he was asked to comment on Verstappen’s record-breaking achievement, where he then made the ‘Wikipedia’ comment.
The championship leader has since responded to Wolff’s comment and has predicted that it was made because the Austrian was “still p*****” about Mercedes’ performance.
Verstappen has hinted that Wolff should stop worrying about Red Bull and instead focus on his own side, something the Dutch driver insists Red Bull did when Mercedes were dominant.
“They didn’t have the best race there [in Monza], so obviously he was still p***** about that,” Verstappen told De Telegraaf.
“It sometimes seems like he is an employee of our team, but fortunately that is not the case. I think it’s more important to focus on yourself. That’s what we did when they were so dominant.
“And I also think you have to be able to appreciate what another person is doing and that it can also inspire you. We also knew at that time that we had to work harder and do better.”
READ: Toto Wolff: ‘We’ll be right behind Red Bull next week’
Verstappen heads to the Marina Bay Circuit hoping to take a step closer to a third consecutive Drivers’ Championship, which he can claim next weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Singapore has typically been a tough venue for the untouchable driver, who’s never won in the nation before.
He finished seventh last season whilst Sergio Perez claimed victory, following an eventful race.