Kada Sárközi joined GPblog as an editor ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season. He graduated with a BA in Sports Journalism in the UK and has covered Grands Prix and other F1 events live.
Helmut Marko was very positively surprised by Red Bull Racing's strong start. Max Verstappen tore the competition to pieces in the Bahrain Grand Prix, including his teammate Sergio Perez, who did manage to finish second but had to concede a lot of time to Verstappen.
Marko overjoyed with Verstappen and Perez
Like Verstappen, Marko is positively surprised by Red Bull's strong start to the season, especially as free practice and qualifying painted a somewhat different picture. "We were not so sure after practice, but we found our strengths in the set-up. Max then more or less drove away. That was a very pleasing start, but it was a bit unexpected," he said in conversation with the German branch of Sky Sports.
Not only Verstappen, Perez also drove a fine race at the Bahrain International Circuit, much to Marko's delight. "An impeccable performance. Max grabbed the lead at the start while Checo was stuck behind Ferrari and Mercedes. Tactically a flawless race," stated the 80-year-old Austrian.
That Sainz was able to keep up with Perez while the Mexican had to concede a lot of time on Verstappen, Marko finds easy to explain. "There would have been no point in pushing more. He had Sainz under control and he had no chance of winning," said the Red Bull advisor.
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