Marko balks: 'Had hopes Hulkenberg could hold them up'

Helmut Marko is bitter that Nico Hulkenberg lost his second starting spot for the Canadian Grand Prix due to a grid penalty. It's just not entirely out of sympathy.

Hulkenberg drove a great qualifying session for the Haas team on Saturday. The German eventually drove a second fastest time, but it was still taken away from him after the session ended. Hulkenberg had in fact driven too fast during and just before the red flag. As a result, he received a grid penalty of three spots.

Hulkenberg can count on Marko's support

Marko told Sky Sports Germany he was disappointed that Hulkenberg had to give up three places. "I'm disappointed that he lost his grid position - for selfish reasons. I had hoped he would hold off the Mercedes and Alonso for a few laps," the Austrian informed.

Instead of the Haas, Verstappen now has Fernando Alonso at his side, as he did in 2022. Behind Verstappen and Alonso are Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, both hoping to finish on the podium. Therefore, it promises to be an exciting race, which you can follow with GPblog's liveblog.