Marko sees big contrast: 'Nicer fight with Ferrari than with Mercedes'

Helmut Marko is all smiles for Max Verstappen. The Red Bull Racing chief calls the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix one of the best races he has ever seen, noting especially the sportsmanship between protagonists Verstappen and Charles Leclerc.

The 78-year-old man from Graz enjoyed the duel that took place between Verstappen and Leclerc, especially the overtaking action of the Dutchman in the closing stages of the race. "When Max sees his chance, he goes for it. His overtakes are unbelievable," said Marko in a conversation with The Telegraph.

The title fight seems to be between Verstappen and Leclerc for the time being. Mercedes cannot yet keep up with the pace of Ferrari and Red Bull, but Marko warns that the German racing team may yet be able to solve the problems. "But we are not sleeping either," he adds.

The Red Bull advisor also notes that the battle now taking place with Ferrari is a lot sportier than the duel with Mercedes in 2021. "I think it's nicer to fight with Leclerc and Ferrari than with Mercedes. It's more on a sporting level now," Marko continued.

He adds that only two races have been run, yet the Austrian does not expect things to escalate as they did with Mercedes.