Helmut Marko has firmly responded to Lewis Hamilton’s suggestion that Formula 1 should adjust the rules to curb Red Bull’s current dominance. Hamilton proposed setting August 1 as the earliest date for teams to begin working on the next year’s car to ensure a level playing field.
Hamilton, a seven-time World Champion with six titles won during Mercedes’ dominant era from 2014 to 2020, believes this change is necessary to prevent any team from gaining an undue advantage. He told Sky F1, “I think the FIA should probably put a time when everyone is allowed to start developing for the next year’s car. So August 1, that’s when everybody can start, so that no one can get an advantage from the next year. Because that sucks.”
However, Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, quickly dismissed Hamilton’s proposal. Marko pointed out that Mercedes, during their period of supremacy, often began developing their next year’s car earlier than their competitors due to their lead in the championships. With Red Bull currently having nine wins from nine races this season, they are in a position to shift their focus to the 2024 car sooner than their rivals.
Red Bull’s championship leader, Max Verstappen, who holds a nearly 100-point lead over the third-placed driver, also weighed in on Hamilton’s comments. “We weren’t talking about that when he was winning his championships, right?” Verstappen remarked. “So I don’t think we should now. That’s how Formula 1 works. It’s normal, of course, for people behind to say these kinds of things, but they should also not forget how it was looking when they were winning. If people would comment these kinds of things then, they would probably comment a bit differently. But that’s how it goes in Formula 1.”
Echoing Verstappen’s sentiment, Marko reminded Hamilton that Mercedes, during their dominance, utilized a similar strategy. “He apparently has a pretty bad memory,” the 80-year-old told Motorsport.com. “In the years that Mercedes dominated, they also started work on the car for the following year much earlier than other teams. They mainly had a superior engine, one that could deliver much more horsepower than the rest. If you don’t have to put energy into this year’s chassis, then of course you will already look at next year. That’s just how Formula 1 works.”
Hamilton’s call for the FIA to intervene highlights the ongoing tension between teams in Formula 1. As Red Bull continues their unprecedented winning streak, the debate over regulations and fair play intensifies. Marko’s dismissal of Hamilton’s suggestion underscores the competitive nature of the sport, where each team seeks to maximize their advantage within the existing rules.
For now, Red Bull’s focus remains on maintaining their lead and preparing for the future, undeterred by calls for regulatory changes. Hamilton, meanwhile, continues to push for reforms that he believes will ensure a more equitable competition. As the season progresses, the clash of perspectives between these two giants of the sport adds another layer of intrigue to the world of Formula 1.
