Helmut Marko admits that "driving on was pointless" for Verstappen in Japan
F1 News
- Tom Mason
It was a tough weekend for Aston Martin Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen in Japan as he recorded a DNF, despite qualifying in fifth place, becoming the only driver to not finish at the Japanese Grand Prix.
As a result, Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel moved level with the Dutchman on 212 points in the drivers' championship with just four races remaining in the season.
"You always learn. An early start is no more a spring start. And an accident that has not even been investigated is suddenly being reopened, " Marko said.
"The case was clear. The Leclerc would have gone straight if he had not had the Verstappen as a buffer. If there had been no punishment, I would have understood nothing.
"Unfortunately, punishment does not help us anymore.
"So much has flown away, the subsoil was completely shredded. We lost 100 points downforce. Driving on was pointless."