Lauda: ‘You overpaid for Verstappen’

Mercedes’ Niki Lauda has mocked Red Bull for ‘overpaying’ for Max Verstappen last year with its hurried attempt to lock him into a long-term contract.

Lauda and Austrian compatriot Helmut Marko – Red Bull’s motorsport advisor – appeared together on an Austrian TV show to talk F1, and discussed the reported approach Mercedes had made for wonderkid Verstappen mid-season last year.

The rumours had been spurred by meetings between Verstappen’s father, Jos, and Mercedes’ Toto Wolff, who then fanned the flames by saying Verstappen was “on the radar” with the Silver Arrows.

When asked what happened, Lauda said: “We never offered him [Verstappen] a contract. I have a good relationship with Helmut, usually we share an airplane. But when he is getting stubborn, and thinks something could be taken away from him, he immediately signs a contract.

“[Directing his words to Marko:] I tell you, if we had talked before, you would have saved money. We never talked to him [Verstappen] about money.”

Marko responded: “Let’s put it this way: No offer. Thanks for trying to help us save money. But you have no alternative to Lewis [Hamilton], you have to pay him what he demands!”

When asked about some key points that helped secure Verstappen’s signature until 2020, Marko said: “We guaranteed that our most important people are committed until 2020. Of course he used the chance to get a salary rise, but it’s within reason. He’s far from Lewis or Sebastian [Vettel] levels, but with championships he can reach this level.”