Marko expects cancelled GPs in 2024: 'Would be very optimistic'

It promises to be a busy and long 2024 for drivers and their teams: no fewer than 24 Grands Prix are scheduled. That is a record number, although it must be said: originally, the same number was supposed to be run in 2023, but the races in China and Imola were cancelled for various reasons. Will 2024 see all the races? Helmut Marko has serious doubts.

Marko is now 80. For many people at that age, the ideal time to retire. Marko, however, would rather sit behind a can of Red Bull and a computer screen, watching his drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez perform. Last year, the Austrian watched from his pit box as Red Bull won 21 out of 22 Grands Prix.

Marko has no illusions

A huge number, which could be improved upon in 2024. Yet Marko does not believe everything will go ahead. "It is an illusion that we will succeed," the Austrian told oe24 about adding to the number of victories. "First let's see if all 24 races can actually be run. As we know, Imola did not go ahead this year because of the natural disaster. When I look at how things are going in the world, you have to be very optimistic that everything can go ahead as planned."

Imola was cancelled last season a few days before the start due to heavy rain in the Italian region. China cancelled the Shanghai race earlier because entry restrictions were still in place due to the coronavirus. These restrictions have since been lifted and international travellers can re-enter the Asian country.