Helmut Marko lauds Sergio Perez’s ‘unbelievable’ pole position in Miami as golden boy Max Verstappen falters

Sergio Perez secures an 'unbelievable' pole position in Miami to please Helmut Marko after Max Verstappen failed to post a representative time prior to red flag.

Helmut Marko lauds Sergio Perez’s ‘unbelievable’ pole position in Miami as golden boy Max Verstappen falters

Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez and Helmut Marko

Sergio Perez‘s unexpected pole position at the Miami Grand Prix left fans in awe following Charles Leclerc‘s crash in Q3, which halted the session, effectively ending Max Verstappen‘s chances of setting a representative time on the board. As a result, Verstappen found himself starting from the ninth spot, a disappointing result for the Dutchman.

Helmut Marko, the head of Red Bull’s driver development program, was not pleased with the defending champion’s performance but quickly applauded Sergio Perez‘s pole position. The 80-year-old expressed amazement, saying, “Pole position for Checo, that’s unbelievable. Here in Miami, it’s more or less a second home race for him.”

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Marko’s praise for Perez was justified, given the Mexican’s recent form. After winning both races at the streets of Baku, Perez now trails Max Verstappen by only six points in the championship standings. If he can add another victory in Miami, it would be a significant milestone in his 13-year F1 career, as it would put him ahead of Verstappen and make him the championship leader for the first time.

Discover: Helmut Marko questions Red Bull’s Miami GP qualifying tactics as Sergio Perez secures pole at the cost of ‘golden boy’ Max Verstappen

Sergio Perez impresses Helmut Marko with his progress this season

Helmut Marko, Christian Horner appreciating Sergio Perez
Helmut Marko, Christian Horner appreciate Sergio Perez (Credits: F1world)

Perez’s sudden rise to prominence is a remarkable feat, considering that he has always been in the shadow of his teammate. In his first two years at Red Bull, he was quite behind Verstappen, but this season has seen a change in the dynamic, with Perez getting much closer to his teammate. The only title fight that fans will likely witness this season is a Red Bull intra-team battle, given their immense lead over the other teams.

Sergio’s growth has impressed the Austrian, who added, “he’s starting to get closer to Max now, and that’s why he’s always in the lead overall.” Perez’s recent performances have been consistently impressive and have kept Max Verstappen on his toes this season, demonstrating his growth. Marko also highlighted Perez’s amazing tyre management skills and ability to maintain his composure, noting that he has mastered and utilized these abilities successfully. 

Verstappen, on the other hand, has his job cut out for him, having started so far back on the grid. To have any hope of challenging Perez for the win, he must weave his way through the field and past several other drivers. Even Fernando Alonso, who starts alongside Perez on the front row, believes Verstappen will be in his rearview mirror by lap 25. However, given the significant pace advantage that Red Bull has over the rest of the field, it remains to be seen what happens in the race and whether the Mexican will actually lead the title charge for the first time in his career. 

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