During his time off, Max Verstappen has provided his fans with a lot of content with his continuous streaming on Red Line’s Twitch. Using the break to catch up on some sin racing, the Red Bull champion casually rubs salt in his rival’s wounds. With Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes enduring a tough couple of seasons, Verstappen takes every opportunity to remind them of their struggles, even when they’re not on track.
Verstappen enjoys a dominant start to the season, leading the driver’s championship with 69 points to his name. With an absolute rocket ship of a Red Bull car beneath him, it has been impossible for his rivals to catch up to him.
Further, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are still struggling with an underperforming car. After the events of the 2021 season, the story has been incomplete for Hamilton, who is yet to grab the record-setting 8th title. And while the driver has been openly critical about his own team, Verstappen adds insult to injury.
Max Verstappen publicly mocks Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes
On a recent stream, Verstappen was asked what car was the worst to drive on his sim. Verstappen, without a second thought, said, “The Mercedes F1 cars.” He continued, “They are sh*tboxes”
The person asking him the question reiterated himself, specifying the iRacing. However, Verstappen doubled down, “I just told you, Johnny.”
While Mercedes themselves have acknowledged the numerous problems with their 2023 challenger, but to have the man who orchestrated their downfall and is enjoying a breezy lead, must hurt.
Hamilton disconnected with Mercedes challenger
At the Saudi Arabian GP was heard talking about his problems with the W14. Hamilton admitted to struggling to connect with the car, stating that no matter what he tried or adjusted, he couldn’t find his confidence. He said, “I can’t get confidence in it. I’m at a bit of a loss.”
The performance of the car is also a sensitive topic because Hamilton’s future might depend on it. However, Hamilton doesn’t seem to be too focused on it. “I love this team. I am so grateful for everyone who has been on this journey with me.”
Hamilton also added that he doesn’t see himself anywhere else. On the weekend after Jeddah, Hamilton found himself in the mix with the top teams in Australia, ending his weekend on the second step of the rostrum.
With a 1/3 success rate at the beginning of the season, could the Silver Arrows come back guns ablaze with upgrades after the break? Or, was the success, a one-time miracle? Only time will tell.
