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Max Verstappen Accused of Making Mountain Out of a Molehill After Lewis Hamilton & Toto Wolff’s “Dismissive” Comments

Published 09/14/2023, 7:15 AM EDT

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via Imago

It seems that words often travel faster than the cars themselves in Formula 1, a notion that rings true following Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff’s recent comments on rival Max Verstappen‘s achievements this year. The comments were perceived as a slight to Verstappen, with Wolff referring to Max’s achievements as “one for Wikipedia and no one reads Wikipedia,” and Hamilton chipping in with, “Max hasn’t had a tough teammate like I have.” The Dutchman & his side at RBR have hit right back at these comments. However, the question is which side is overhyping the sentiment?

While engaging in the latest episode of the F1 Nation podcast, veteran F1 star Gerhard Berger weighed in on the controversial remarks by the Mercedes team duo, which have steered a vivid discourse in the F1 community. When asked whether he found the remarks unnecessary, Berger replied:

via Imago

“Of course not, but on the other side, thank God we have all these kinds of discussions. What should we talk about now if they all would just be very streamlined and never any critical comments?”

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Berger sees the recent verbal exchanges between Max Verstappen and the Mercedes team as adding excitement and depth to the F1 2023 season’s ongoing rivalries. While Verstappen has taken the comments of Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff personally, seen as making a “mountain out of a molehill,” Berger believes such debates bring necessary spice to the sport, enhancing the thrilling unpredictability of the races and keeping fans engaged. Also, it is a direct result of the frustration for the Silver Arrows as they haven’t been able to match the competitive edge they often benchmark.

As Gerhard Berger appreciates the fiery exchanges stirring the F1 2023 season, it underlines the mental grit needed in the face of intense rivalries. In this light, let’s turn our attention to Sergio Perez as he shares the true essence of survival mentality at Red Bull.

Sergio Perez opens up about Red Bull’s survival mentality

Sergio Perez has openly acknowledged the mental resilience required to be Max Verstappen’s team-mate at Red Bull, especially considering Verstappen’s extraordinary current level of performance, which has seen him secure a record 10 consecutive grand prix victories.

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via Reuters

Despite facing a challenging 2023 season, Perez is holding firm, with Red Bull affirming their commitment to the Mexican racer until at least the end of 2024. In a recent interview with Auto Motor und Sport, Perez reflected on his experience partnering with Verstappen, stating: “It’s tough. But if you want to drive for Red Bull, you have to live with it and be very strong mentally to survive it.”

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Perez praised Verstappen’s dedication and skill, adding, “We all have to appreciate what Max is doing. The level at which he is driving at the moment is extremely high. To give 100 percent every weekend, no matter what the conditions are. When you’re his team-mate, it’s hard to digest.

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Perez depicts not just a racer but a man striving to harmonize skill and tenacity amid the extraordinary momentum of Verstappen’s career. As Verstappen continues his unprecedented journey in F1 history, all eyes are on Perez, showcasing not only his determination but an unyielded spirit ready to rise to the occasion.

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Written by:

Pulkit Jai

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Pulkit is an F1 writer at EssentiallySports. With a strong academic background in engineering, he possesses an in-depth understanding of the intricate mechanics and technology driving Formula 1 racing. This expertise allows him to offer insightful analysis, exploring the technical aspects of the sport and shedding light on the innovative advancements that shape the world of F1.
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Edited by:

Aishwary Gaonkar