Red Bull's Helmut Marko wasn't happy with Felipe Massa after the Japanese Grand Prix, believing the Williams driver held up Max Verstappen as he chased Lewis Hamilton.

The two frontrunners stumbled upon the Brazilian and the McLaren of Fernando Alonso. The Mercedes driver negotiated the backmarkers with relative ease, but Verstappen lost crucial time getting around Massa.

"Max had the pace to attack Hamilton," Marko told broadcaster ORF.

"It cannot be that when the leaders approach you only move over after so many corners. Without the episode we would have had an exciting end.

"It would be better if Massa retires," the Austrian added.

Helmut Markomay well have his wish soon granted.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Wolff confirms Russell will stay at Mercedes through 2027

Toto Wolff has all but ended speculation linking Max Verstappen with Mercedes by publicly backing…

42 minutes ago

A wet first win for Frentzen and Jordan

On this day in 1999, a gritty drive and some crafty team work at Magny…

2 hours ago

Austrian GP: Russell rebounds, edges Antonelli in final practice

George Russell put an end to Mercede teammate Kimi Antonelli’s dominance this weekend at the…

2 hours ago

Austrian Grand Prix Free Practice 3 - Results

Full results from Free Practice 3 for the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull…

2 hours ago

A quiet moment in the garage for Mathias Lauda and son

Time has a way of moving forward, but in the Mercedes garage, certain things remain…

3 hours ago

‘Money machine in the factory’: Alonso questions F1 upgrade frenzy

Fernando Alonso has expressed his surprise at the relentless development race unfolding in Formula 1,…

4 hours ago