Marko acknowledges tension: "We won't go on holiday together"

The relationship between Mercedes and Red Bull Racing this past Formula 1 season was tense. Helmut Marko sees mutual respect, but there is certainly also rivalry.

The duel between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen for the world title was the hallmark of the season. The drivers battled on track for positions and victories, while the team bosses were having discussions about possible grid penalties and infractions.

When Marko was asked about the relationship between him and Toto Wolff in an interview with Servus TV, the Austrian confirmed that the relationship is not great: "We don't go on holidays together." He is impressed by Wolff and his achievements and so there is certainly a mutual respect, but also points of conflict. He gives an example of a point of conflict when he mentions a comment made by the Mercedes team boss against his team: "Toto said in the Mercedes factory that Red Bull are the enemies to motivate his team."

The question is whether the tension and rivalry between the two teams is going to ease over the winter break. Mercedes will be thinking about this season for a long time, as losing the world title still hurts a lot. Despite the fact that the tension might be decreasing, it will be increasing again next season. The Dutchman will be keen to become world champion once more, but in the meantime, the seven-time world champion will fight to win his eighth title.