Marko reacts to Perez's DNF in Qatar: 'What a shame!'

Red Bull Racing advisor Helmut Marko was satisfied with his team's result at the Qatar Grand Prix. After a penalty demoted him to second place on the grid, Max Verstappen quickly overtook George Russell. The Dutchman fended off Lando Norris, who was penalised and crossed the finish line first place, five seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc in a race which was heavily affected by safety cars. The 81-year-old Austrian also reacted to Sergio Perez's retirement. The Mexican has only scored four points in the last five races.

Marko began by praising the race of Verstappen. He said it was very motivating for the whole Red Bull team and that the victory was incredibly important. Still, the sights are immediately set on next season. Marko is expecting an exciting year, which will be even closer than this season.

"We have to take this momentum with us," Marko said to the German branch of Sky Sports. He also commented on the 2025 F1 season. "The teams will be even closer together, and it is important that we have a consistent car then and generally a bit more reliable."

After Sergio Perez's retirement, Red Bull is now out of the running for the constructors championship. It is set to be third place for the Milton Keynes-based team in 2024. The Austrian addressed the failure that marred Perez's race. During the safety car, the Mexican reported on the radio that he had no power and then spun out of the running before pulling up and retiring. Marko reacted to Perez's failure after the race. "What a shame, it would have been fifth place..."

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