Verstappen continues to amaze Marko: 'The way he drove was unbelievable'

For Red Bull Racing, capturing the constructors' title at the Japanese Grand Prix was extra special near engine supplier Honda's home factory. Helmut Marko looked back on the race, which Max Verstappen won in dominant fashion.

Marko proud after Verstappen's win and Red Bull's title

Marko stressed that winning the constructors' title on Sunday is extra special because it is the home race of engine supplier Japan. Here in Japan, the Honda factory is just a few kilometres away," the Red Bull adviser told Viaplay. "The way Max drove today was unbelievable. The start was not the best but he still controlled both McLaren's and once he was in the lead he was controlling the race relatively easily."

Verstappen's win and with it the constructors' title for Red Bull comes after a difficult weekend in Singapore, which proved to be an outlier for the Austrians. "Max was really motivated after Singapore and we have to say we still don't know what really went wrong, but we proved that it was a one-off and we are looking forward for the rest of the season," Marko explained.

Marko: 'Hopefully we can pay for the alcohol!'

Red Bull is experiencing an extremely strong Formula 1 season in 2023. According to Marko, the key to success is a combination of a passionate team with people who have worked together for a long time. "Moreover, the Honda engine is very good," adds the 80-year-old Austrian.

An the Qatar GP, Verstappen can also clinch the world drivers' title, something he has already joked about with his mechanics after his victory in Japan. Asked where the party will be celebrated, Marko replied: "In Doha, very expensive with the alcohol, but I hope we can afford it!"