Admitting that Max Verstappen is "driving circles" around the opposition, Toto Wolff says that that without the Dutchman's presence 2023 would be a thrilling season.

It's a move that will no doubt have those fans who still like to produce championship standings based on previous points systems, but the fact is that Verstappen is there and absolutely smashing it out of the park.

On his current form the Dutchman is looking likely to secure the title in Singapore, which will leave Las Vegas looking more than a little flat.

As Helmut Marko has said, such is his confidence that Max can not only enjoy banter with his engineer mid-race – though this doesn't begin to compare with the analytical processes Fernando Alonso is going through in his car - but even threaten a surprise pit stop to keep his crew on its toes.

Ignoring the fact that his drivers enjoyed eight years of domination, Toto Wolff, while admiring Verstappen's talents, suggests the season would be so much better without him.

"He has all the reasons to be a bit cheeky," says the Austrian. "He's just driving circles around everybody else on merit, and there's nothing else to say about that. You've got to watch that on one hand, as much as it is annoying.

"You just need to take Max out of the equation," he adds. "The second Red Bull is where we are. It would have been a fantastic season and close racing, but the stopwatch never lies.

"There is just one guy and one car that is above everything else, and we've just got to catch up. There is no choice."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Stitch431, 07/08/2023 8:44

"Wolff is a sore loser. Instead of moaning all the time he should get his head down and do his homework at the car and on track instead of his keeping at his silly political games. niki Lauda would never have permitted such demeanor, he would have pulled his hat for Max, and then he would say, come on guys, let's get to work to beat this guy."

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2. Posted by BrightonCorgi, 03/08/2023 15:57

"As dull and predictable a grand prix this season; we'll look back & remember how awesome it was to see Verstappen & Red Bull perform at such a high level."

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3. Posted by Defiant, 02/08/2023 23:51

"I read it the same as Ricard_sanchez did. I'd say as frustrated as Toto is, I think he is still heaping deserved praise on Max.

I think the vitriol for Toto is such, that even when he's right (for a change) some people will still try and make it a thing when it clearly isn't.
Let's be honest, what he said was on the money. 2nd, 3rd and 4th have been varied this year, meaning it would be an interesting championship without him. Just as BrightonCorgi said, same as it was for Schumacher, Hamilton and Vettel in recent years."

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4. Posted by Ricardo_sanchez, 02/08/2023 20:39

"It’s pretty clear that, taken in context, Wolff is being entirely complimentary about Verstappen here. He’s simply saying he’s in a league of his own, which is true. "

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5. Posted by Chester, 02/08/2023 18:04

"Agree @BrightonCorgi. I used to watch the races for the first seven years of turbo-hybrid era and wonder who would come third when Nico was around and second when Bottas joined.

Toto will now have to do the same. But I think he will instead say, "This is not right, ...""

It would be a fantastic season without Max, says Wolff

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