Helmut Marko takes a dig at Toto Wolff as the Mercedes boss regrets snubbing Max Verstappen for Esteban Ocon

Helmut Marko accuses Toto Wolff of overlooking Max Verstappen’s talent as a young driver

Helmut Marko takes a dig at Toto Wolff as the Mercedes boss regrets snubbing Max Verstappen for Esteban Ocon

Toto Wolff (Image credit: Planetsport) Max Verstappen (Image credit: sportowefakty) Esteban Ocon (Image credit: Autosport) Helmut Marko ( Image credit: Planetsport)

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko had mocked Toto Wolff for not signing Max Verstappen when he had the chance, despite recognizing his talent as a young driver in lower racing categories. Verstappen, who is widely regarded as the best driver of his generation, has surpassed Lewis Hamilton and won two Drivers’ Championship titles in consecutive seasons. Marko believed that Verstappen was a way better option than Esteban Ocon.

The 80-year-old believes Verstappen’s talent may not have been easily noticeable in Formula Three. However, Helmut was unsure about what exactly Toto had been looking at. He also mentioned that after seeing Max Verstappen in action at the Norisring for some time, it became clear to them that he had something special.

YouTube video

“Wasn’t your talent visible enough in Formula 3? So I don’t know exactly where Toto was. When I saw Max at the Norisring, it was already clear to me that he had something special,” Helmut Marko told the Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad.

FS Video

Also read: Eddie Jordan is ‘bored to death with Max Verstappen’, claims the Dutchman makes F1 more tedious than Michael Schumacher ever did

Toto Wolff’s regretful decision to pass on signing Max Verstappen

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff (Image credit: PlanetF1)

Max Verstappen stands out as the most exceptional product of Red Bull’s junior driver program. He was able to join Toro Rosso in 2015 before progressing to the senior team the following year. Initially, Mercedes had their sights on him, recognizing his evident talent as a young driver.

However, despite their interest, Mercedes failed to secure his services, and he ultimately chose to sign with Red Bull after being approached by Marko. The team principal stated that commitments to Nico Rosberg in 2015 and Valtteri Bottas in 2017 did not permit the team to sign Max Verstappen even before the Canadian Grand Prix. Toto Wolff expressed his regret in not being able to sign the Dutchman. “My regret is not having taken Max Verstappen,” said Toto Wolff.

It is evident that Red Bull benefited greatly from Mercedes’ missed opportunity, as their decision to bring Verstappen on board has resulted in brilliant results. Verstappen’s accomplishments over the past eight years in Formula 1 have more than justified Red Bull’s choice. Toto Wolff, in a recent explanation, acknowledged that he did recognize Verstappen’s talent when he was a young driver, but circumstances prevented him from securing the signing.

In case you missed it: