Red Bull's head of motorsport Helmut Marko has once again sharply criticized rival Mercedes after its protests at the memorable Formula 1 season finale. “It is unworthy of a World Cup final that the decision is delayed like that. But that speaks for the attitude of, I would say, an unworthy loser if you lodge such objections and protests, ”said the Austrian on Sunday evening after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the World Cup triumph of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen. It was "disgusting" to lodge a protest where it was clear that it would not work, Marko said.

He himself threatened protests from Red Bull on a few occasions this season and often tried to stir up further unrest in the already charged title fight between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton as well as Red Bull and Mercedes.

Now after a controversial decision by the race management at the finals in the United Arab Emirates, he settled again with the rival, who had won all titles since and including 2014.

How would Red Bull have reacted?

It can be speculated how Marko and Red Bull would have reacted if Verstappen had been the victim and not the beneficiary of the decision of the race management, through the Verstappen on the last lap after a safety car phase, the opportunity for the title-deciding attack against Hamilton got.

Aside from the protest and the announcement after its refusal to have deposited a note for an appeal, there have been no further reactions from Mercedes.

For Red Bull's team boss Christian Horner, Verstappen's triumph over the previous record world champion, of all things, gives the Formula 1 title even greater significance this year.

The 36-year-old Brit from Mercedes was a "phenomenal opponent all year round".

"It was impressive and that makes it an even more monumental achievement to have won this World Cup," said Horner after Verstappen won the World Cup.

The 24-year-old Dutchman crowned himself past Hamilton on Sunday thanks to an overtaking maneuver on the last lap.

The Silver Arrow driver was only around four kilometers short of his eighth world title, with which he would have overtaken Michael Schumacher and become the sole record world champion.

"He did it in Max style," said Horner, commenting on the decisive attack for his protégé's victory and World Cup triumph.

Verstappen benefited from a safety car phase, the end of which in turn triggered a protest from Mercedes.

However, this was rejected by the race stewards on late Sunday evening.

Verstappen, however, who also had to struggle with a calf cramp during the race, emphasized after his premiere title in the motorsport premier class that he had now achieved everything in Formula 1 for the time being.

"Everything that comes next is just a bonus," he said.

Verstappen will start his eighth Formula 1 season in 2022.