Marko expects challenge for Verstappen: 'Hamilton has an advantage'

Helmut Marko thinks Max Verstappen can reach even more heights after his two world titles. In 2023, the Red Bull Racing adviser hopes for success again, although Marko expects Lewis Hamilton to join Mercedes in returning to title contention.

Speaking to the German RTL, Marko reveals that he believes there are currently only two drivers in Formula 1 who are "halfway" to Verstappen's level. According to him, those are rivals Charles Leclerc and seven-time world champion Hamilton. While the Briton fought against Verstappen in 2021, it was Leclerc's turn this season. However, the Monegasque could not stand up to the dominance of Verstappen and Red Bull.

The Red Bull adviser notes that the Ferrari driver performed especially strongly in qualifying this season, but was prone to mistakes compared to Verstappen. Marko thinks Hamilton will be a stronger challenge for his driver in 2023. "Hamilton has a clear advantage in terms of experience. He can motivate himself incredibly and I am also convinced that Mercedes will have a better car next year."

'Verstappen has developed into a tyre whisperer'

This season, Hamilton's team has still not won a race, but Mercedes hopes to come back stronger in 2023. However, with two world titles under his belt, Verstappen can still reach more heights, the Austrian believes. "He drives more confidently than ever with a better overview and at the same time he has developed into a tyre whisperer. For example, he drives longer on a soft tyre than the competition on a harder compound." The Dutchman is also superior on wet tyres, according to Marko. "He is two seconds faster than the rest of the field in the first laps. They all have to get used to it first." So it will not be an easy task for Mercedes to beat the Dutchman and his team.