Helmut Marko observed how Max Verstappen once again made a difference for Red Bull during the Spanish Grand Prix. The consensus in the paddock was unanimous – McLaren had the faster car in Barcelona. Marko is pleased that Verstappen can rely on his own abilities, though he questions whether the three-time world champion can maintain this pace.
Max Verstappen, after a strategic race, climbed to the top step of the podium for the sixty-first time. The Spanish Grand Prix marked another triumph for the 26-year-old driver, despite the significant battle he had to wage to keep his competitors at bay. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko hopes to have the fastest material again during the home race at the Red Bull Ring – he is unsure how long Verstappen can continue to make the difference.
“Verstappen can’t keep driving at the limit for the entire season,” Marko said to OE24. “His overtaking maneuvers in Spain were amazing, even by his standards. Max is winning now because he has a lot of confidence, not because the car is so good.” Sergio Pérez is living proof of this. The Mexican finished eighth in Barcelona and did not escape Marko’s wrath.
“We can’t afford any more weaknesses,” the 81-year-old advisor referred to Pérez’s race. “He started from the eleventh place, but that should not be an excuse.” Helmut Marko welcomes the improved competitiveness of Mercedes in the title fight. He hopes that the Germans can now snatch world championship points from Ferrari and McLaren. “That is favorable for our chances in the world championship,” said Marko.
