Angry Marko on wrong decision: 'You can't chase Leclerc'

Max Verstappen looked to be the fastest all weekend, but a mistake and then a red flag prevented the Dutchman from setting a time in Q3. He will therefore start ninth at the Miami Grand Prix. It led to an angry reaction from Helmut Marko, who mainly blamed the team for this situation.

Marko, Red Bull's advisor, addressed all the mischief that unfolded for his driver after qualifying went badly for Verstappen: "It was hugely unfortunate with Max," Helmut Marko told Sky Sports Germany. "He went a bit wide in the first run and then we should have gone out earlier. We had the speed."

With hindsight, Marko is critical: "We don't need to wait for the track to be better. At least the first two rows would have been safe," Marko said a bit angrily, adding, "To put it sarcastically, you can't drive behind Leclerc.... You just wanted to make the most of it and the later you go out, the better the track will be. But in that case, I don't think it was the right decision..."

In any case, Red Bull has a driver on pole on Sunday with Sergio Perez. Verstappen awaits a catch-up race and must be careful not to take damage at the first, tight corner.