Breaking: Red Bull Chief Issues Clear Max Versttapen T…read more
Red Bull Sets Win Target for Verstappen’s Fifth Consecutive F1 Title Bid
Red Bull Racing advisor Helmut Marko has outlined the minimum requirement for Max Verstappen to stay in contention for a record-equaling fifth consecutive Formula 1 world title: at least five to six race wins this season.
Verstappen, who is aiming to match Michael Schumacher’s legendary streak of five straight championships with Ferrari from 2000 to 2004, has secured two victories so far in the 2025 season—the latest at Imola. With 17 races remaining on the 24-round calendar, the Dutch driver remains within reach of Marko’s benchmark.
However, Marko is fully aware of the stiff competition, particularly from the McLaren duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who currently lead the standings. “We’ll need five or six wins if Max is going to win the championship,” Marko told Sport.de. “That won’t be easy against McLaren. Their car performs well on every track, in all conditions.”
Marko noted that Red Bull may benefit if Norris and Piastri begin to take points from each other. “Hopefully Lando starts winning again and can take points off Oscar. We need to capitalize on any opportunity,” he added.
The Red Bull advisor also stressed the strategic benefit of having a clear team leader in Verstappen. “For us, Max is the undisputed number one. Everything is built around him,” said Marko. “McLaren has two equally strong drivers who keep switching positions. That could work to our advantage.”
As Verstappen fights to keep his championship hopes alive, Red Bull will be counting on consistency, strategy, and a bit of help from their rivals to maintain their grip on F1 dominance.
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Helmut Marko’s analysis of the season is spot on—Max Verstappen definitely needs those five to six wins to stay in the title race. McLaren’s consistency this year is impressive, and it’s fascinating how Piastri and Norris are pushing each other to perform. I wonder if their internal competition could indeed play into Red Bull’s hands, as Marko suggests. The strategic focus on Verstappen as the clear number one seems smart, but does it risk putting too much pressure on him? Also, do you think Red Bull’s car development can keep up with McLaren’s adaptability across different tracks? It’s going to be a thrilling season, and I’m curious to see how Verstappen handles the challenge. What’s your take on Norris’s recent performances—could he be the one to disrupt Verstappen’s title bid?