Red Bull and Mercedes are fighting a championship fight that will most likely end this season. The fight was intense, not only on the track, but off it as well. Both team bosses did not shy away from casting shadows and reproaching each other. But F1 journalist Plooij believes the teams wouldn’t clash if Niki Lauda were alive.
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Plooij mentioned that the Austrian world champion acted as a peacemaker between the teams. He also had friendly relationships with Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko.
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I think Niki Lauda is missing Mercedes: Plooij
As PlanetF1 reports, the three-time world champion was a consultant at Mercedes before his death in 2019. Plooij mentioned that Lauda would have lunch with Marko every day and try to avoid clashes with the team bosses.
“I think Niki Lauda is missing at Mercedes. Niki had lunch with Helmut Marko every day. I think a lot of fires were put out there. We may never have seen this arise, but now we do. I think Niki would have given Helmut the order: ‘Leave Horner in his box for a while, then I’ll do it with Toto,’ said Plooij.
MONZA, ITALY: Mercedes GP Non-Executive Chairman Niki Lauda speaks with Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff in the pit lane during qualifying for the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix at the Autodromo di Monza in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Mark Thompson / Getty Images)
The Dutch journalist mentioned how the dynamic between the teams has changed since Lauda’s death.
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“I think there are reasons why this is happening. But I’m not used to it from Toto Wolff. Usually he’s a bit political and calm: “We’ll sort that out. But now it’s turned into a bit of a damn fight between Horner and Toto, ”said the journalist.
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He also stated that he had also noticed a change in Horner’s approach this season. “The amazing thing is Christian Horner’s behavior towards Toto Wolff.
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“I think the Dutch fans like it, show your nails, scratch Wolff’s back. So I think the fans liked it. But for us it was a surprise. Because Horner is always somehow dignified, tidy, English. ”Plooij concluded.
In an intense fight, emotions outweigh everyone, but it’s important that both teams stay civil.
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