Marko sees challenge: 'McLaren has something Red Bull doesn't have'

Helmut Marko is heavily impressed with the dominant lap time Max Verstappen recorded in qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix. According to the Red Bull Racing advisor, the performance was all the more crisp as McLaren was faster in certain parts of the track. At the same time, Marko sees a big challenge for the race at the Suzuka Circuit.

"It's incredible what kind of lap Max drove there," an enthusiastic Marko told Austrian channel ORF. "Five tenths faster, and McLaren has a better car in the fast corners. Still, Max had the best time in sector one. He was very motivated all weekend. Singapore was bothering him: not only the performance, but also the comments. Here he shows that he is already the fastest and the best."

Expectations for Sunday's Japanese GP are therefore high. "I hope we get away well at the start and keep the lead, then Max can manage his pace in a more relaxed way," the Red Bull advisor continued.

However, the 80-year-old Austrian does see challenges ahead of Sunday's race. "McLaren, when it gets even hotter, has the advantage of two sets of hard tyres. We only have one. But if it becomes a two-stopper and we are ahead, I think we will win it. However, tyre wear is extremely high, so it will definitely be difficult to make it with two stops," Marko said.