Helmut Marko Expresses Concern Over Verstappen’s Title Hopes After Norris’s Impressive Dutch GP Win
In an exclusive interview with Autosport following the Dutch Grand Prix, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko expressed concerns about Max Verstappen’s chances of securing a fourth straight Formula 1 world title after Lando Norris’s impressive 23-second win.
Marko refused to rule out the possibility of McLaren winning both Formula 1 titles, with the gap between Verstappen and Norris now narrowed to 70 points and Red Bull’s constructors’ lead reduced to 30 points.
“If you look at his fastest lap – from Lando – in his very last lap without DRS, [he did a] 1m13.8.”
Verstappen, who returned from the summer break with a 78-point lead, had an “alarming result” at the Dutch GP, which has triggered alarm bells in the Red Bull camp. Marko emphasized the need for improvements in both drivers’ and constructors’ championships, highlighting the urgency to find solutions.
Race Strategy Concerns
When quizzed about Red Bull’s race strategy, Marko revealed that they expected to win the race after Verstappen passed polesitter Norris at the start. However, the McLaren driver’s recovery puzzled Marko, especially since his teammate Oscar Piastri struggled to overtake Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari.
Marko attributed the issues to a set-up choice gone wrong, specifically the addition of rear wing levels to increase downforce on Verstappen’s car, which led to increased tyre wear.
Urgent Need for Developments
Red Bull’s motorsport advisor highlighted the need for urgent action, emphasizing that the team must bring new developments to “every race” to reclaim its winning form, which has been elusive since the Spanish GP in late June.
“There are a lot of ideas and different ways. But because of the summer break, we couldn’t do anything – but we have to do something. It goes together. We must understand the car better, that there is more balance because with more balance it’s more confidence for the driver and less tyre wear.”
Marko credited McLaren’s significant updates to their MCL38, which have “obviously” paid dividends. Red Bull, on the other hand, has struggled to translate theoretical upgrades into tangible results on the track.
As the Formula 1 calendar hurtles towards the Singapore Grand Prix, Marko’s comments indicate a sense of urgency within the Red Bull camp to close the gap on McLaren and protect Verstappen’s title lead. Formula 1 fans will be eager to see how the battle unfolds as the Formula 1 season enters its business end.
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