Marko gives verdict on upgrades and Verstappen's P2 at Spa

With a second place in the qualifying for Saturday's Sprint, Max Verstappen managed to surprise at least one McLaren. The Dutchman had to acknowledge Oscar Piastri's superiority, but got ahead of Lando Norris. This caused some optimism for Helmut Marko.

"Yes", was the clear answer to the question from GPblog, at the moment Marko left the garage of Red Bull Racing and was asked if he was satisfied with the result at the Spa-Francrchamps circuit.

But the Austrian also had a point of concern: "We're still losing in sector 2. But basically we managed [to take] a step forward."

According to Marko, the second place was due to two factors: the updates and a standout performance from Max Verstappen. "Both", said the external advisor of the racing stable when asked.

Max Verstappen's fans occupying the stands at Spa hope, of course, to see the Dutchman win.

Will that happen during the sprint race or the Grand Prix? "Sunday in the wet is a different story tomorrow. I think we have a good chance for a podium", concluded Marko, who does not want to comment on the departure of Christian Horner as team boss of Red Bull this weekend.