Marko wanted to deliberately infect Verstappen: "But never talked about it"

Helmut Marko was serious when he indicated in March that he was considering deliberately infecting Max Verstappen with the coronavirus. In the end it did not come to that and it has never been seriously discussed within Red Bull Racing. Verstappen did not discuss it with the 77-year-old Austrian prior to the season. 

Marko had the idea of deliberately infecting his drivers so that they could at least start the 2020 season completely fit. In an interview with the German-speaking media, Red Bull's advisor then said: "It was going to be a camp where we could spend the time mentally and physically. It would then be ideal, because these are very young, strong, healthy men who would then be well prepared for the World Championship."

Verstappen not informed

"I never really talked about it with Helmut", says Verstappen in honest conversation with Olav Mol and Jack Plooij for the review of the 2020 season at Ziggo Sport. "I think he may have said that once in an interview. I never talked about it with him.

Liberty Media is experimenting

COVID-19 has ensured that different things have been experimented with in Formula 1. For example, the Imola Grand Prix lasted only two days and only had one free practice session. "I do think you need two practice sessions. You can do it on a Saturday. If you get on the track and you don't have a good balance in the car after that one practice session, then of course you're not really looking forward to qualifying. I think two practice sessions are a bit better to put everything on focus," said Verstappen.