F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Wolff does the math, insists Verstappen is 2019 title threat

Toto Wolff says the "sheer math" compels Mercedes to consider Hungarian Grand Prix poleman Max Verstappen as a genuine threat for the world title.

Red Bull's Verstappen secured his first career pole in F1 on Saturday at the Hungaroring, a feat that follows the Dutchman's recent two wins - in Austria and Germany - which have put him 63 points behind championship leader Lewis Hamilton in the drivers' standings.

Wolff's practical judgement tells him that Red Bull-Honda and Verstappen are on a roll, and a look at the numbers only strengthen his conviction that the 21-year-old must be considered a title contender.

"I think there are 10 more races to go, so 260 points to score. What’s our advantage? Sixty-odd," said Wolff on Saturday.

"You can see from the sheer maths that Max is somebody we need to take seriously and consider as a title rival in the same way we need to consider the two Ferrari drivers as title rivals.

"We cannot afford to take the foot off the throttle."

While wary of the Red-Honda package, at least in the hands of Verstappen, Wolff welcomes the challenge and its positive effects on F1.

"First of all the Red Bull chassis was always among the best, and it still is. And then Honda has made a big step forward from last year to this year, and all credit to them," he added.

"I’m happy to see that for F1, because a strong Honda is good for F1, good for the competition, and at the end if there’s a fourth power unit supplier that has a competitive package that is generally positive for all of us.

"And it also shows us that we’ve got to reinvent ourselves in a way, and I see this as really positive journey."

Is the current cycle of Mercedes dominance finally coming to an end? Wolff believes it's now easier for Mercedes' rivals to bridge the gap than for the Silver Arrows squad to sustain its lead.

"We had a good streak of success, and it feels now that probably the push that we need to do is even more," said the Austrian, quoted by Motorsport.com.

"The others are catching up, and it’s easier to catch up than to maintain the level and setting the benchmark.

"There’s a reason why no one ever won six consecutive driver and constructor championships, because it is not easy.

"I guess we all know that, but we’ve got to push harder and smarter in order to stay ahead."

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

Aston Martin says performance shortfall led to Fallows exit

Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough has shed some light on why the team’s former…

8 hours ago

FIA clamps down on plank loophole after Red Bull complaint

The FIA has issued a pivotal Technical Directive to F1 teams ahead of this weekend’s…

9 hours ago

F1 drivers blindsided by race director Wittich’s sudden exit

The abrupt removal last week of FIA race director Niels Wittich with just three races…

10 hours ago

McLaren relaxes ‘papaya rules’: Norris and Piastri free to race

Oscar Piastri has confirmed that McLaren’s team orders—dubbed the "Papaya Rules"—have been largely relaxed, giving…

11 hours ago

Cheers to the forever young pure racer Jacques Laffite

The forever young Jacques Laffite turns 81 today, but the years haven't aged this pure…

13 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Wednesday's build-up in pictures

The neon lights of Las Vegas are set to illuminate the Formula 1 world once…

13 hours ago