Helmut Marko accepts ‘relying on second place’ not enough for Max Verstappen’s 2024 title hopes
Helmut Marko has stated that relying on second place finishes might not be enough for Max Verstappen's 2024 title hopes.
Max Verstappen, Helmut Marko, and Christian Horner (Via: Imago)
The Azerbaijan GP marked a seminal moment for Red Bull as they lost the lead in the Constructors’ Championship to McLaren. The team has experienced a performance slump recently, with their car facing several issues that have prevented them from winning races.
While Max Verstappen secured a second-place finish at the recent Singapore GP, he was too slow compared to the race winner Lando Norris. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko emphasized that relying solely on a second-place finish is not good enough because, despite having some speed, they are still outpaced by McLaren.
Marko said that the team’s focus is primarily on the upcoming USA GP. He believes that the performance in that race will determine the outcome of the Constructors’ Championship. The Singapore GP showed that the team is on the right track, especially compared to where they were in Monza and Baku.
There are still many things to come, we are on the right track now. The car needs to have a wider operational window, not just one where relatively small changes or temperature differences of six or seven degrees can already affect the performance. Because just relying on second place is not good enough.
Helmut Marko said, as reported by Motorsport
This situation would not only impact the team’s title hopes but also threaten Verstappen’s pursuit of a fourth championship. Securing second place will be challenging, making it difficult to protect the Dutchman’s championship lead against both fast McLarens.
Helmut Marko claims Max Verstappen needs to win at least two more races to safeguard his championship hopes
As the Constructors’ Championship lead has slipped their hands, Red Bull’s primary focus will be on maintaining Max Verstappen’s lead in the drivers’ standings. Helmut Marko believes that with only one sprint race gaming six GPs remaining, the Dutchman needs to win at least two more races to protect his lead. Achieving this will also improve the team’s chances of regaining the lead in the Constructors’ Standings.
The focus is now mainly on the drivers’ title. But if we achieve that, and I think that is only possible if Max wins at least two more races, then it also looks a bit more optimistic for the constructors’ championship.
Helmut Marko opined
F1 is currently on a four-week break until the next round in Austin. Teams are working hard to be at their best for the upcoming race, especially Red Bull as they have found their footing after experiencing a drop in performance. While the team currently sits 41 points adrift of McLaren, there is a possibility they could climb back to the top by the end of the season.
Gaurang Kadam
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