Verstappen's fifth consecutive F1 title? Marko reacts

This past weekend the Dutchman made his proffesional debut at the Nordschleife bringing home the win in impressive fashion.

"Unbelievable how Max did it," said Marko to OE24. "Just the start and the first corner, as he drove in front of the two in front of him, was once again Verstappen-like. No one else can do that."

The 81-year-old Austrian however, despite being impressed by his driver's race he was "not surprised."

"He put a minute on the second [placed car]..." When the praises that showered the Red Bull driver following his Nübürgring feat were highlighted for Marko, the Austrian shrugged them off: "He does that in the Formula 1 car too."

Should Verstappen focus his attention solely on Formula One? Marko doesn't agree. "Max is simply a fanatical racing driver and takes every opportunity. That's just good for him. In my time, you drove everything."

The Austrian then looked to the 24 hours of Le Mans, a race he himself won in 1971, and one that's also on Verstappen's racing bucket list. Marko thinks the reigning world champion could even run it teaming up with his father Jos Verstappen.

"Jos stays in practice through rally racing. He is very fast there," said Marko before revealing the only scenario under which Verstappen could complete the mythical endurance race. "If Max quits Formula 1, I can imagine it very well."

After his win in Baku Verstappen cut Oscar Píastri's lead in the standings to 69 points. With seven Grands Prix and three Sprints left to go, Marko calls the potential comeback the "biggest catch-up race of all time," which nevertheless he feels is possible. "With the victory in Baku, hope (which he had already given up, editor's note) has been revived."

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