Verstappen ridicules Wolff as Red Bull rubbish Abiteboul rumour – F1 news round-up

Formula1News.co.uk’s daily news round-up helps you stay up to date with the latest developments in the pinnacle of motorsport.

Max Verstappen after winning in Abu Dhabi.v1

Max Verstappen has ridiculed Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff on a live stream of a virtual race.

The 24-year-old poked fun at the Austrian after his team-mate was punted off the circuit by another driver during the sim race.

Specifically, Verstappen joked that he would complain about the incident to Formula 1 race director Michael Masi, before exclaiming “No, Mikey! No!” in reference to Wolff’s comments over the radio at the season-ending 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

READ: Vote now: Do you think Kimi Raikkonen will race in Formula 1 again?

You can read the full story and watch the video of Verstappen mocking Wolff here.

Marko rubbishes Abiteboul’s rumoured move to Red Bull

Senior Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko has denied reports that former Renault managing director Cyril Abiteboul is set to join the team and head up their newly formed powertrains division.

With Honda exiting the sport at the end of 2021, Red Bull will be making their own power units this year after having purchased the intellectual property of the Japanese manufacturer’s F1 powertrains.

And, it was recently reported that Abiteboul was set to join Red Bull, despite him and team principal Christian Horner coming to blows following the team’s decision to ditch Renault and switch to Honda power in 2018.

READ: Alex Albon reveals eventful first day at Williams

Article continues below

Reacting to this report, Dr Marko said: “I really don’t know where this nonsense comes from.

“It’s absolute nonsense. Ben Hodgkinson is and will remain the leader of our engine project.

“We hope that he can start working as soon as possible,” the Austrian added.

Russell could capitalise on Hamilton weakness

Formula 1 driver Perry McCarthy told Formula1News.co.uk that George Russell could take advantage of Sir Lewis Hamilton feeling a “bit low” after his championship defeat last year.

Russell has replaced Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes for 2022, and many in the paddock are expecting him to push Hamilton hard this year.

“I think he’s going to be tapping Lewis on the shoulder, I really do,” McCarthy said in an interview with this publication.

George Russell at the 2020 Sakhir GP with Mercedes.v1

“And the other thing is, is that, you know, if Lewis has developed any chinks in his armour, because he does feel a little bit low, then George will be prying those open, you know, he’s going to be on the attack,” he added.

Follow us on Google News to never miss an F1 story