Helmut Marko has high praise for driver Max Verstappen. After four months without victories, the Dutchman was able to climb to the top step of the podium again in São Paulo. A well-deserved victory for Verstappen, who gave a masterclass in driving in the rain. He also left title rival Lando Norris far behind. “The championship is within reach,” said Marko.
“He was driving in his own world,” an enthusiastic Helmut Marko told the German branch of Sky Sports. “When Max Verstappen had clear air, he flew. His overtaking maneuvers were also sensationally set up.” Verstappen drove from seventeenth to first place at Interlagos, in a race that was plagued by heavy rainfall and the associated interruptions. The safety car came out once, purely because the asphalt simply became too wet.
‘Incredible Car Control’
“When there was too much rain, Verstappen begged to stop the race,” Marko explained. “I don’t understand why two rounds were still raced then, but Max didn’t seem to mind – he just demonstrated why he is the best. I think it was also the right response to everything that has happened recently.” Verstappen has come under fire in recent weeks for his aggressive driving style, especially in the British media, where he received a lot of criticism.
“Verstappen has such incredible car control, especially in the rain,” Marko added. He emphasized that Max’s skills enable him to explore limits that others often dare not explore. “That was already the case in 2016, a similar race,” the Austrian referred to an earlier edition of the GP of São Paulo. After his triumph this Sunday, Verstappen has further increased his lead in the drivers’ championship. “The world title is now within reach,” Marko concluded.
