Home

Never Ending War of Words Takes Another Turn as Helmut Marko Exposes Mercedes’ Troubles Despite Toto Wolff’s Positive Affirmations: “The Atmosphere Is Tense”

Published 01/25/2023, 9:15 AM EST

The drivers’ silly season, triggered by Alpine with the incorrect announcement of Oscar Piastri as its driver, ended with Logan Sargeant signing up for Williams. But the team principals’ silly season, which was triggered by Ferrari’s ex-boss resignation, ended with the former Mercedes chief strategy officer, James Vowles, signing up for Williams’ team principal position. And while one may expect panic at Red Bull, according to Marko Helmut, its chief advisor, things remain cool in Milton Keynes.

The appointment of James Vowles came as massive news for everyone. While Mercedes was already in the process of moving away from Vowles, the impact and the idea behind the appointment can’t be underestimated. Many believe that this change will lead to the creation of the “Mercedes B team,” which could counter the front runners on behalf of Toto Wolff and the team.

But this doesn’t seem to bother Red Bull. Marko Helmut, in a recent interview with Sport1.de, addressed the topic and said, “No, I have completely different information. Vowles went on its own initiative and – you can hear – even takes good technicians with them. My sources tell me that that’s why the mood at Mercedes is tense.”

Article continues below this ad

Toto Wolff Blames One Factor in Surrendering Mercedes Racing Dream

Marko’s words could start the war of words for this season. Now, Vowles claims the team will be free from Mercedes’s influence and dismissed the idea of a “B-team”, but there will undoubtedly be pressure or sour grapes if he removes mechanics from his former team.

Toto Wolff on Vowles’s departure

Article continues below this ad

Vowles’s departure was welcomed by Toto Wolff. The team’s strategic head was a key man behind the team’s rampant run, during which it won eight consecutive championships.

The two ended their partnership on great terms, as Toto was quoted by Motorsport NextGen Auto as saying, “We wish him every success and are delighted that he is taking this next step in his career with Williams, one of our long-standing technical partners and a team that has a place in my heart.”

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THIS STORY: Ugliest Moments in Hamilton-Rosberg Rivalry

If the two bosses stay close next year, they could possibly be seen lending a hand to each other if the need arises. And even if they don’t do that, they are highly unlikely to step over each other.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Manan Goel is a Formula 1 author at EssentiallySports. As a literature student at Delhi University, he had been a geek for fiction and a nerd for sports. He claims Sebastian Vettel was his first love after seeing him at the Indian Grand Prix, and he has been a fan of the sport and Red Bull ever since.

Edited by:

Varunkumaar Chelladurai

Never Ending War of Words Takes Another Turn as Helmut Marko Exposes Mercedes’ Troubles Despite Toto Wolff’s Positive Affirmations: “The Atmosphere Is Tense”

Toto Wolff on Vowles’s departure

Trending

MET Gala 2024: Travis Kelce Left Awestruck as Lewis Hamilton Steals the Show With Black History- Inspired Look On the Red Carpet

After GF Alexandra Saint Mleux Gets Mistaken as Future Wife, Charles Leclerc Debuts His Son Leo at the Miami GP

“This Is a Joke Right?”: Rebecca Donaldson and Alexandra Saint Mleux’s Endorsement of F1 Academy Leaves Fans Fuming

F1 Fans Slam Insecure Fernando Alonso For Playing Race Card Against Lewis Hamilton in Miami

Lando Norris’ Rumored GF Magui Caught ”Keeping an Eye” Despite 3000 Miles Separating The Lovebirds