Helmut Marko to share half of his Bahrain GP Qualifying-bet earnings with ‘tough negotiator’ Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen put in a stellar lap during the Bahrain GP qualifying to secure pole position.

Helmut Marko to share half of his Bahrain GP Qualifying-bet earnings with ‘tough negotiator’ Max Verstappen

Helmut Marko, Christian Horner, and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

The first qualifying session of the season was held yesterday, and Max Verstappen took the pole position in a close qualifying outing. Red Bull consultant, Helmut Marko made a bet with Gianpiero Lambiase(known as GP) about the Dutchman clinching the pole position. Following this, the Austrian’s pocket would have gotten much deeper and he took the time to joke about this instance.

The qualifying held in Bahrain saw multiple drivers take a bid to claim the top spot for tomorrow’s race. However, the flying Dutchman claimed the pole by just a mere two-tenths separating him from Charles Leclerc. Due to Verstappen’s masterclass, GP owes Marko 50 pounds for losing the bet.

https://youtu.be/cEvR-dx_ZME?si=zcllahaNfAZXu8e7 
I earn €50, but I have to give €25 of that to Max - he's a tough negotiator. We worked hard after practice and then, of course, the Max factor came around the corner again. It's nice to be able to start the race here at the front of the field.
Helmut Marko said as reported by racingnews365.com

The 80-year-old had made a bet with Gianpiero Lambiase for 50 pounds about who would get pole position. Marko after winning the bet, explained that he would have to share half of his earnings with the 26-year-old as he is a tough negotiator.

FS Video
Max Verstappen: I don’t think that was enough.
Gianpiero Lambiase: Actually, It was enough Max well done!
Max Verstappen: I’m so sorry GP!
The radio messages that took place just after Max Verstappen crossed the finish line

Verstappen’s stance could be understood from the radio message GP transmitted to Verstappen about whether the lap time was enough for the pole or not.

How did Helmut Marko react to Sergio Pérez’s qualifying performance?

While Verstappen claimed a nail-biting pole, his teammate only salvaged P5. This would have been lower than what Marko would have expected according to fans. Despite that, the Austrian shared his views on Sergio Pérez‘s performance.

Sergio Perez and Helmut Marko.
Sergio Perez and Helmut Marko. (Via IMAGO)
Yes, we are very satisfied, also with Sergio on P5. Here you can overtake well, so for the race we are optimistic. It was a difficult day. Leclerc was strong, as we expected. However, in the last sector, it wasn't optimal from Verstappen, but it was enough for pole position.
Helmut Marko said as reported by racingnews365.com

Marko seemed satisfied with the Mexican’s performance in qualifying. Furthermore, the 80-year-old iterated that, the Monegasque was anticipated to be faster than him so it was not a shocker according to him.

On the other hand, the consultant believes that race may be possessing a different picture for Pérez. The Austrian expects the 34-year-old to climb up the field and help in securing a 1-2 for the Red Bull F1 team.

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