'A cheap shot typical of Helmut Marko and Red Bull'

Johnny Herbert has slammed Helmut Marko for making what he believes was a 'cheap shot' at Lewis Hamilton following the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The Red Bull advisor suggested he thought Hamilton should've retired over the winter break. 

Poor Mercedes

After four races, it's clear Mercedes didn't interpret the new rules and regulations as well as other teams. Their rivals Ferrari and Red Bull are racing away in the title battle whilst Hamilton recorded a P13 in Imola. During the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the cameras highlighted how Verstappen sat 77 seconds in front of his 2021 rival. The Dutchman went on to lap Hamilton. 

When asked about what Hamilton would be thinking, Marko replied saying he'll be thinking that he should've retired. In a subsequent interview with Sky Sports, Herbert defends his fellow countryman. 

"What a cheap shot - typical Helmut Marko and Red Bull to be honest. After everything that happened last year, what a battle there was between Max and Lewis, between Red Bull and Mercedes, the race at the end of the year as we know was completely and utterly wrong. Would [Red Bull] want him in their car? Yes they would. But they know he’s a big, big threat for them once Mercedes get everything together," Herbert said.