Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko maintains unwavering confidence in a victory for Max Verstappen. According to the Austrian, the Dutchman has the greatest chance of winning on Sunday in Melbourne, despite starting from third place. Marko is even willing to bet that Verstappen will be the first to cross the start line in the anticipated rain race.
Max Verstappen is starting the race in Melbourne from a third-place position, two places lower than a year ago. The Dutchman secured pole position at the Albert Park Circuit in 2024, but is now surprised that he is even allowed to start in the top three. “It’s clear that we’re still lacking speed,” Verstappen admits. “This indicates that we’re not there yet.”
The Dutchman is primarily referring to the difference with McLaren. Polesitter Lando Norris was four-tenths faster than Verstappen. Despite the significant lead of the competitor, it was still a good day in Melbourne for Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko. “I’ve already won five hundred euros from Jos Verstappen, who thought we would indeed be five-tenths behind McLaren,” the Austrian reveals to De Telegraaf.
Betting on Verstappen
Furthermore, the 81-year-old Marko also sees a reason for joy at Red Bull. “Compared to the test days in Bahrain, we have made a big leap, because I think the difference was certainly half a second (with McLaren),” he said. Therefore, the advisor knows who he will be betting on this Sunday. “I have already placed a bet on a victory for Max at a betting office for tomorrow.”
Marko’s unwavering confidence in Verstappen for Sunday is partly due to the weather forecasts. According to the latest predictions, it will rain in Melbourne. “And I didn’t think the gap with McLaren was that big,” the Austrian continues. “It was neck and neck until the eleventh turn, after which McLaren managed to keep the tires in better condition. But tomorrow everything will be different.”
