Marko: 'Title with Verstappen more emotional than with Vettel'

For the first time in the hybrid era, Red Bull Racing is on the verge of a world title. Finally, the Austrians think. Since the last title with Sebastian Vettel in 2013, Red Bull has always been far from the ultimate top prize in F1. Could it be happening now?

Helmut Marko is always in the habit of saying something nice. If the German RTL asks Red Bull's advisor if a world title for Max Verstappen is more emotional than the first World Cup crown with Vetter, the Austrian is certain: "It is more emotional. In 2010 (Vettel's first title) we had the best car, although Ferrari and McLaren were also in the game. To become world champion now would be an incredible success. Beating the best driver of all time, that's on a completely different level."

Marko indicates that Red Bull will continue to attack in the coming weeks. "We want to bring this to a successful conclusion as soon as possible with absolute top performances," the Austrian said. "I already indicated halfway through the year: ten wins should be enough. If victory comes now in Brazil, and if we win the sprint race, that would be a foregone conclusion. Moreover, second places are enough for the rest of the season. But stalling is not in our DNA. Certainly not in Max's DNA."

The German broadcaster would welcome a title from Verstappen for a special reason, the presenter explains to Marko. After all, Verstappen would thereby hold off Lewis Hamilton from a record number of titles, one more than Michael Schumacher. "Not letting him become a record champion is an extra motivation," Marko laughs.