Helmut Marko Mocks McLaren Over Strategy Blunder at Italian Grand Prix: ‘Thank You for Your Sportsmanship

Helmut Marko takes a jab at McLaren's "sportsmanship" during the Italian Grand Prix

"I value that, and it slightly improves our circumstances."

Helmut Marko humorously expressed gratitude towards McLaren for their "sportsmanship" after they lost the chance to win the Italian Grand Prix in Formula 1.

McLaren is currently trailing Red Bull by only eight points in the Formula 1 constructors’ standings.

The team from Woking might have topped the leaderboard after Monza if they had achieved a first and second place finish.

Nonetheless, opting to change Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris to a two-stop strategy proved to be an expensive move.

This enabled Charles Leclerc to seize control of the race, and he maintained his lead using a one-stop strategy.

Norris finishing in third place narrowed the gap in the drivers' championship against Max Verstappen by just eight points, bringing Verstappen's lead to 62 points as they head to Azerbaijan.

In an interview with the Dutch newspaper de Telegraaf, Marko rejected the notion that it was a "disappointing result" and proceeded to ridicule McLaren.

"Was it a disappointing outcome? Absolutely not," he stated. "We had somewhat anticipated this and I want to extend my congratulations to Ferrari for their win and express gratitude to McLaren for their fair play."

"I value that, and it slightly improves our circumstances."

Red Bull had a tough weekend, as Verstappen managed to secure only sixth place.

Placing sixth marks his poorest performance in a race since the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in 2022.

Due to significant difficulties, Red Bull faces challenges in both championship races, especially with the upcoming events in Baku and Singapore, which are anticipated to be unfavorable for them.

Positive developments for Red Bull include a one-month break before the American series of races, providing essential time to possibly discover strategies for Verstappen to secure his fourth world championship this year.

Marko is assured that Verstappen will keep being a game-changer in 2024.

“He remains the most mentally resilient and skilled driver on the circuit," he stated.

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