Red Bull chief after Verstappen win: "Jos was right"

Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing were lucky that many drivers took a grid penalty this weekend, meaning the reigning world champion did not have to start from last position in the Belgian Grand Prix. Verstappen, however, was so dominant that it would not have made much difference, according to the Austrian team.

"I think Max would have won from the twentieth spot as well," Marko is quoted by De Telegraaf. Initially, the goal was a podium finish and at least to finish ahead of title rival Charles Leclerc, but it all turned out a lot better. Verstappen scored the maximum 26 points, while Leclerc had to settle for eight points after a time penalty and a very early pit stop due to a piece of tear-off on his brakes.

Marko:"We knew for a while that we would change Max' engine here and incur a penalty. So at first we thought: we are going for the points. After qualifying you could see that the podium would be possible. Jos (Verstappen, ed.) already said to me that Max would win. I was not so optimistic, I must admit. But Jos was right.

Red Bull good at all tracks?

In a fortnight time they will race at Monza, another circuit with many straights. The RB18 should do well there again, but first there is the Dutch Grand Prix next week. In terms of characteristics the track is more reminiscent of the Hungaroring, where the Formula 1 circus passed just before the summer break. Verstappen was able to drive from P10 to victory.

Ferrari again see Red Bull as having a very good chance at Zandvoort, because in the twistier second sector (where more downforce is needed) Ferrari were completely out of the game in the Ardennes this weekend. Ferrari drove with bigger wings than Red Bull, but Verstappen was faster every time. Marko is pleased with that and is confident of a good result. Especially qualifying will be important according to the Austrian, because overtaking is relatively difficult.