helmut-marko-red-bull-f1-mclaren-verstappen-jpg

Helmut Marko. Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Helmut Marko makes bold call on who will be F1’s next champion

11:37, 18 Sep

bySamson Ero

Helmut Marko has revealed who he believes would be the next Formula 1 world champion between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The Red Bull Racing advisor also weighed in on the chances of Max Verstappen in a recent interview.

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in Monza. Photo: RacePictures

“Norris might be faster. On the other hand, Oscar Piastri is the more cool-headed.”

- Helmut Marko

Marko, who spoke in an interview via Sport.de, stressed his belief that both McLaren drivers have their respective advantages. However, the 82-year-old tilted towards Piastri largely due to what he dubbed as having a calm head.

"Both have their advantages. On one lap, Lando Norris might be faster. On the other hand, Oscar Piastri is the more cool-headed one and seems to be mentally stronger. I believe, based on these factors and the lead he has, that Piastri is the favourite."

The 2025 Formula 1 driver's championship has largely been dubbed as a two-horse race between Norris and Piastri. However, with eight races left on the calendar, Piastri has the advantage. The Australian boasts a 31-point lead ahead of his British teammate in the standings.

Helmut Marko on Max Verstappen’s chances of winning the title

Helmut Marko also weighed in on Max Verstappen's chances of a shot at the drivers’ title. The Austrian motorsports chief largely downplayed the prospects of the four-time world champion adding a fifth crown to his name this season.

Marko also stressed how close the current F1 grid has become, hinting he would not rule out the Scuderia Ferrari drivers throwing a spanner in the works of the championship fight.

"I think the field is too balanced; there won't be any dominance. Piastri and Norris will alternate positions. I wouldn't write off Ferrari either. It's in the back of our minds. We're not giving up. But realistically, I would say: no chance of winning the world title.”

So far, the 2025 drivers' championship has Verstappen in third place, trailing both Piastri and Norris. The Dutch driver could, however, still influence the outcome of the championship fight between the pair – depending on the results he records in the final races of the campaign.

Check out our latest paddock update here 👇