F1 NEWS:Helmut Marko capitalizes on Red Bull’s uncertainties…read more
F1 NEWS:Helmut Marko capitalizes on Red Bull’s uncertainties…read more
Red Bull’s Helmut Marko has shared that he has already found reasons to celebrate this season, despite ongoing concerns regarding star driver Max Verstappen. The reigning Formula 1 champion has faced a lackluster start to the 2025 season, with McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri emerging as early frontrunners. Piastri led the McLaren team to a one-two finish at the recent Chinese Grand Prix, extending their lead in the constructors’ championship to 38 points over Red Bull, whose title hopes now appear nearly dashed.
However, Marko, who recently faced backlash for his criticism of rookie Isack Hadjar, remains optimistic, noting that he won a bet with Verstappen’s father, Jos, over the team’s performance at the Australian Grand Prix.
Marko discussed the bet with De Telegraaf before the Melbourne race, where Verstappen finished second and teammate Liam Lawson failed to finish. The 81-year-old said, “Compared to the Bahrain test days, we’ve made significant progress, as back then, I believe the gap was at least half a second. I’ve also already won 500 euros from Jos Verstappen, as he thought we’d lose five tenths to McLaren.”
Despite Verstappen not winning at Albert Park, Marko reaffirmed his confidence in his driver’s abilities. Meanwhile, Lawson, still without a point for Red Bull, has admitted to struggling with the car, fueling speculation that he may be replaced by Yuki Tsunoda in Suzuka, with a decision expected later this week.
