Marko: "Bottas will set a pace that will help Lewis get closer quickly"

Lewis Hamilton's race in Brazil was a remarkable one, as he managed to come from 20th on the grid to fifth in just half an hour. The warmer conditions on Sunday are not expected to play as well into Mercedes' hands, but Helmut Marko believes it is imperative that Max Verstappen takes the lead as soon as possible.

This is what the Red Bull Racing advisor says in conversation with the German branch of Sky Sports. "I expect Hamilton to finish fourth or higher," said the Austrian.

According to Marko, it is of utmost importance that Verstappen gets away well at the start, in order to prevent Bottas from holding up the field to help his teammate. 'It is crucial for Max to take the lead as soon as possible, otherwise, Bottas will set a pace that helps Lewis to get closer quickly,' he concludes.

Despite Mercedes' strong result in the sprint race, very different conditions are expected again on Sunday. The higher temperatures are expected to play into Red Bull Racing's hands.