Helmut Marko pinpoints weakness of Max Verstappen’s two key rivals ahead of 2024 season

Helmut Marko reckoned that Max Verstappen is yet to push himself to the limit despite his record-breaking 2023 campaign.

Helmut Marko pinpoints weakness of Max Verstappen’s two key rivals ahead of 2024 season

Helmut Marko & Max Verstappen (Via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen has dominated Formula 1 in recent years. The Dutch driver has managed to perform at an incredible level in the past two seasons. The 26-year-old would be looking to win his fourth consecutive world title this year. However, rivals will be ready to fight Verstappen for the championship. Now, Red Bull Motorsport Consultant Dr. Helmut Marko has exposed the weakness of the Dutchman’s two main rivals.

Former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan had claimed that Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris were the two drivers who could challenge Max Verstappen. Marko responded to Jordan’s claims. The 80-year-old admitted that both Leclerc and Norris were one of the best talents on the current grid. However, the Red Bull advisor highlighted that the two have failed to be consistent.

Certainly, Leclerc and Norris are extraordinary talents. But both have shown weaknesses in consistency in the past.
Helmut Marko told F1-insider

Moreover, Helmut Marko reckoned that Max Verstappen was not at his limit yet. The three-time world champion will only improve in the coming months. Although, Red Bull will need to deliver a car as capable as the RB-19 to ensure that this successful pairing remains the benchmark for the upcoming season.

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What’s more, Max isn’t at his limit yet. It’s going to get even better. It’s our job to provide him with a similarly good car as in 2023. Then it will be the benchmark again.

Max Verstappen might remain unchallenged in 2024

Max Verstappen and Red Bull annihilated the competition last season. The Austrian team was miles ahead of the competition courtesy of the RB-19. This propelled Verstappen to a record-breaking eighteen race wins over the course of the season.

Max Verstappen, Abu Dhabi GP
Max Verstappen, Abu Dhabi GP (Via IMAGO)

Red Bull has been developing the 2024 car for several months now. So much so, that Milton Keynes could soon switch its focus to 2025 instead. Certainly, the 2024 Red Bull challenger would be an evolution of the RB-19 which could once again place Max Verstappen in prime position for the championship.

However, rivals have been working extensively over the winter break. Ferrari and McLaren are believed to be the two main challengers in the upcoming season. Nevertheless, Max Verstappen and Red Bull undoubtedly remain the favorites for yet another title campaign.

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