Marko expects tough challenge for Verstappen: 'Long, hard road'

Max Verstappen is one of the favorites for the world title this season. Helmut Marko also sees that the Dutchman again has a good chance of winning Formula 1's top prize, although he warns that it will not be easy to beat the competition.

After the Grands Prix of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, it is clear that Red Bull Racing must focus on Ferrari as a competitor for the time being. The Italian racing team made a strong impression in both races, with Charles Leclerc twice putting up a good fight with Verstappen.

Marko expects competition from Ferrari and Mercedes

However, Verstappen, who is in third place in the world championship with twenty points behind the Monegasque, has the advantage of winning the world title last season, giving him more experience than Leclerc. With his RB18, he seems to be eligible to win the world championship again in 2022. However, Marko thinks that Red Bull must take into account the other top teams.

"It will also be a long, hard road for the Max," he stressed in conversation with Österreich. "The tests have already shown that Ferrari has a car that can keep up in all conditions. And we have to take Mercedes into account: Hamilton is only nine points behind Max."