The consensus is that Red Bull are once again running away with another title, having coasted to victory in the previous two years. Another one-two at the Japanese Grand Prix further raised such fears from their rivals, with Wolff admitting that the title belongs to Red Bull just four races into the 2024 season.
“No one is going to catch Max this year,” Wolff boldly claimed in Suzuka. “His driving and the car, just spectacular. I can see how he manages the tyres. Basically, this season now is best of the rest. That’s the fight, that’s all.”
Wolff’s comments were put forward to Marko by Austrian outlet OE24, though he was far from pleased and hit back by suggesting that there is still a long season to go. “Please leave me alone!” Marko replied. “We’ve only driven four races, 20 to go. In Melbourne we saw how quickly everything can change. Ferrari is strong and reliable, we can’t write them off yet.”
The 80-year-old director continues to be blown away by Verstappen in the RB20, however, agreeing with Wolff that the Dutchman takes their car to another level. “Those were always my words: We have a good car, but then Max makes the difference once again,” Marko added.
“Everything was clear in Suzuka, but then Max drove this incredible fastest lap on worn tyres. Not just for fun, but to get his message across: Hello, the rest of you are only there to finish second!”
Red Bull endured a difficult weekend previously at the Australian GP, in which Verstappen was forced to retire early for the first time in two years, going on to watch Ferrari claim a one-two, but Marko was delighted at the reaction that his team made.
