Marko laughs at Verstappen's mistake: 'We are used to that after Hungary'

Red Bull Racing team advisor Dr Helmut Marko is confident of driver Max Verstappen's ability, but the Austrian also breathed a sigh of relief when Verstappen's third start in Australia finally did go well.

The crazy Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne had a record number of red flags. No fewer than three times the race was stopped. Twice a standing restart was instituted to resume the race. The final restart was just one lap behind the safety car, after which the race was flagged off. The regular start and the first restart were somewhat weak from Verstappen.

That is why it was nervous for a while at the pit wall at Red Bull after all. Marko breathed a sigh of relief when Verstappen did get away well on the third and all-important start. Speaking to ServusTV, the Red Bull advisor said: "I was a bit shaky yes, because our first two standing starts were far from optimal. In the third and decisive start, thank God, it did go well."

Marko is aware of his team's dominance, but also indicated that Sergio Perez's race showed that such dominance cannot be taken for granted. In normal circumstances, the competition is hopeless, the Austrian also admits. Marko: "In the moments when we [Verstappen] were in front it was sovereign though. Max of course made another trip through the grass, but we are used to that from him after Hungary."