Helmut Marko reveals why Max Verstappen skipped Red Bull team meeting after Jeddah qualifying disaster
Marko cleared out the misconception over Max Verstappen missing out on the Post Qualifying debrief in Jeddah.
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Helmut Marko, Max Verstappen
Red Bull Racing‘s 1-2 result at the Saudi Arabian GP was riddled with controversies. Max Verstappen reportedly skipped the team meeting on Saturday after qualifying. The Dutchman was also not content after finishing behind his teammate in the race. Red Bull Advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko shed some light on why the 25-year-old avoided the Saturday briefing.
Marko was recently asked about this behavior of the two-time world champion. Helmut Marko reminded the fans that Max Verstappen was ill during the weekend. He replied, “Max had just gotten over the bad flu. Did you see how he looked when he got out?” It had been speculated in the paddock that the Dutchman did not attend the briefing after being unhappy with the incurred driveshaft failure.
The 79-year-old clarified that Max Verstappen was unwell to be at the briefing. Marko continued, “It really didn’t go well for him. He wanted to go to bed as soon as possible.” The reigning world champion wanted to preserve energy for his recovery driver for the next day. As the Dutchman made his way up from P15 to P2 over the course of the race.
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Helmut Marko does not expect escalations between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez
After the Jeddah street race, rumors have floated around the paddock over the teammate situation. Sergio Perez was found visibly displeased after Max Verstappen got the fastest lap of the race. Although, Dr. Marko was certain that harmony would be maintained in the Austrian garage. The 79-year-old explained, “Both have largely followed the guidelines. Five laps before the end it was said that they were allowed to drive fully.”
Helmut Marko made the intentions of the Austrian team to make a lead over its rivals. Before the effect of the reduced testing comes into hand. As Red Bull was penalized for breaching the cost cap. Marko concluded, “We have two top drivers and we have to make sure that we get away from the front before the wind tunnel penalty.”
Thus, the Red Bull advisor is adamant that Max Verstappen has no grudges against the Milton Keynes team. The Dutchman has continued his efforts in trying to clinch a third championship. However, it remains to be seen how this shapes up over the course of 2023. As the 25-year-old goes head-to-head with Perez for the win this year.
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Armaan Agarwal
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