Helmut Marko suggested that the decline of Mercedes in recent years may have influenced Lewis Hamilton’s decision.
Helmut Marko, an advisor for Red Bull, has provided insight into Max Verstappen’s reaction to the surprising news of Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in the upcoming year.
The 39-year-old will be leaving Mercedes to join the Italian team in 2025 as part of a multi-year agreement.
The announcement of Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari came as a surprise to many, including Toto Wolff, who admitted to being informed only a day before the public announcement.
Marko also expressed his astonishment at Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes.
However, Verstappen had a different response upon learning about his rival’s switch.
Marko shared details about the Dutch driver’s reaction in an interview with OE24, stating, “He found it quite amusing.”
Hamilton had previously stated that fulfilling a childhood dream was one of the main reasons for his move to Ferrari, with hopes of winning an eighth world title in the iconic red car.
Marko further speculated that Mercedes’ decline in recent years may have influenced Hamilton’s decision to end his long-standing partnership with the team.
“That surprised me as well,” Marko commented when asked about his own reaction to the news.
“It’s a remarkable development, especially considering the timing.
One can’t help but wonder how this unfolded.
“Ferrari surpassed Mercedes in the latter part of 2023, and McLaren also showed superior pace.
Perhaps Hamilton noticed something that the public is not yet aware of.
For us, this changes nothing except that I see it as a weakening of Mercedes.
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“In such a situation, one’s focus naturally shifts to the new team.
“The current team cannot involve him in any significant developments, as he may bring them over.
“Overall, this is a fantastic development for the sport, even better than Netflix.”
According to the Source formula1news.co.uk