Helmut Marko insists Max Verstappen can only be matched by Lewis Hamilton in tire management
Max Verstappen will be eyeing for his third world title in Qatar, and with it the championship.
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Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)
Max Verstappen has continued to dominate the 2023 F1 season. The two-time world champion has raced in a league of his own this year with rivals coming nowhere close to the Dutch driver. Red Bull Consultant Dr. Helmut Marko reckoned that the reigning world champion can only be matched by arch-rival Lewis Hamilton in terms of tire management.
Marko praised Verstappen for his staggering growth over the years. The Dutch driver has come a long way since making his F1 debut in 2015 and has established himself as an all-time F1 great. The 80-year-old told Sky Germany, “He has improved in terms of pure speed and apparently he rolls up his performance with the greatest of ease. That is really incredible.”
The Red Bull advisor was convinced that Max Verstappen had mastered tire management. The 80-year-old reckoned that the Dutchman could get the most out of the package without losing control. Subsequently, Marko claimed that Lewis Hamilton might be the only driver who could match Verstappen in this regard.
Helmut Marko explained, “Moreover, I think he has gradually become the best at managing his tires. He drives sharply and quickly but maintains full control. I think that perhaps only Lewis Hamilton succeeded in that to the same extent.”
Max Verstappen set to clinch third F1 title in Qatar
The Dutch driver has won a staggering thirteen races this season. Max Verstappen currently leads the Drivers’ standings by a whopping 177 points to second-placed Sergio Perez. Red Bull comfortably clinched the Constructors’ championship at the Japanese GP, despite Perez scoring no points after having retired his car in the race.
As such, the two-time world champion is expected to bag his third consecutive title at the next race in Qatar. Verstappen has delivered some outstanding performances this season and truly showcased his brilliance on track. So much so, that even critics have accepted the impressive run of the Dutch driver on track throughout 2023.
Max Verstappen would be looking to take his third F1 world title in Qatar, and he will hope to bring the championship along with a race victory. However, rivals would be looking to make Verstappen’s target just a bit more difficult. Although, fans would be waiting to see the 25-year-old emerge as the 2023 F1 world champion.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2353 Articles Published)