Marko unsurprised by latest Verstappen 'magic' moment...

Marko unsurprised by latest Verstappen ‘magic’ moment…read more.

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko expressed little surprise at Max Verstappen’s remarkable performance in qualifying for the Mexico City Grand Prix, despite the challenges faced during the race weekend. The reigning world champion encountered significant issues, including floor damage and a power unit problem on the first day at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Additionally, Verstappen reported a lack of grip during the third practice session, which contributed to a tumultuous lead-up to qualifying.

Nonetheless, Verstappen showcased his exceptional driving skills, managing to extract maximum performance from the RB20 and securing a second-place starting position on the grid. In stark contrast, his teammate Sergio Perez struggled significantly, facing elimination in Q1, which highlighted the disparity in performance between the two Red Bull drivers.

Verstappen was unable to contest for pole position against Carlos Sainz, who demonstrated outstanding speed and was clearly in a league of his own during qualifying. However, Verstappen’s ability to secure second place under late pressure speaks volumes about his talent and composure. After having his first lap in Q3 cancelled due to exceeding track limits, Verstappen had only one opportunity left to improve his position. He managed to keep his nerves steady and delivered a flawless lap that ultimately placed him on the front row.

Marko remained confident throughout the qualifying session, asserting that he was not worried about Verstappen’s ability to recover and secure a strong starting spot. He noted that the team lost approximately three to four tenths of a second in the third sector, but they were able to regain control and maintain competitive pace, which led to Verstappen’s impressive performance. Marko referred to Verstappen’s qualifying effort as another “magic lap,” reflecting on the driver’s ability to stay composed and execute perfectly under pressure.

In addition to praising Verstappen’s skill, Marko also took the opportunity to commend the engineers at the Milton Keynes-based team. He acknowledged the extensive work that went into preparing Verstappen’s car ahead of the third practice session and the final adjustments made before the parc fermé. Marko emphasized the importance of the team’s engineering efforts in finding the right setup for the car, which operates optimally within a narrow range of conditions.

He also noted that the rise in track temperatures, which were about 13 degrees warmer than previous sessions, played a beneficial role in their performance. The combination of Verstappen’s driving prowess and the team’s engineering excellence highlights the collaborative effort that goes into achieving success in Formula 1.

Overall, Marko’s comments reflect a deep-seated confidence in both Verstappen’s abilities and the team’s technical expertise. As the season progresses, the focus will be on whether Verstappen can maintain this level of performance and continue to challenge for victories, particularly as he navigates the complexities of each race weekend. The dynamics within the Red Bull team, especially in light of Perez’s struggles, will also be an area to watch as they aim for continued success in the championship standings.