This is why the Austrian GP will be an emotional occasion for Helmut Marko

The Austrian Grand Prix is a special occasion for Red Bull Racing. Not only is it home to the team but also to senior advisor Helmut Marko. The 81-year-old retains many special and emotional memories of Formula 1 races held at the Red Bull Ring.

After Formula 1 action concluded at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Marko returned to his homeland before the race. "The action continues this weekend in Spielberg and that means stress. Three races in three consecutive weekends is a logistical, physical and emotional challenge for everyone," he said in a conversation with OE24.

The fact that Formula 1 has been more exciting lately due to the challenges Max Verstappen has been facing from his competitors is great for the sport, but according to Marko, only one thing counts for Red Bull. "In the end, we want to win our home race." Marko hopes that McLaren will instead be fighting with Mercedes and Ferrari instead of Red Bull.

Marko retains many special memories of his home race and says he feels emotional about it. "Our home race, the Red Bull circuit, the unique atmosphere, Max's wins and our first with the Honda engine, which I fought so hard for," he says.

"The victory four years ago against Leclerc, which was only certain after three hours (after a protest from Ferrari). Those were a lot of ups and downs of emotions until Dietrich Mateschitz said - it doesn't matter what they decide, we are the moral winners," revealed the Red Bull advisor, who is sure that the Red Bull co-founder would be proud of Verstappen's achievements in recent years: "This series of victories with a driver entering new spheres would have delighted him." Concluded the Austrian.