Red Bull’s Marko opens up: 'Verstappen was the difference – not the car'
Co-author:Olly Darcy
Kim Hoefnagel is a journalist at GPblog, specializing in Formula 1 and Formula E. With a background in communication and experience at international circuits, she delivers reliable coverage and interviews, complemented by insights from her work in the paddock and across social media.
Helmut Marko has reflected on Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing's past championships ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix.
The Formula 1 circus has landed in Austria this weekend, where Red Bull Racing and Marko will take part in their home race this Sunday, giving the Graz native a great opportunity to look back on the successes and challenges of recent years.
In conversation with De Telegraaf, Marko praised four-time world champion Verstappen: "Max is our greatest asset. Most of our successes in recent years are largely thanks to him."
He quickly added: "Okay, in 2023, we had such a dominant car that many drivers would have won the title. He then emphasised that the same cannot be said for Verstappen's first title in 2021. "That was an incredible fight with Mercedes. On a sporting, psychological, and political level."
Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen have always shared a very close bond throughout their time together in Formula 1.
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Tough title fight for Red Bull and Verstappen
Marko acknowledged that Red Bull simply did not have the best car in 2024, leading the Austrian team to ultimately lose the constructors' championship to McLaren.
"In 2022, the car was too heavy at the start of the season. Max retired twice in the first three races and said we needed a season of 45 races to close the gap with Ferrari."
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Although the title seemed far away, the team still managed to bring both titles back to Milton Keynes in 2022. A few mistakes by Charles Leclerc meant that Verstappen and Red Bull could close the gap with Ferrari.
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"As our car got lighter, Max got more comfortable with it, and the difference with his teammate Sergio Pérez became clear.”
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