Helmut Marko questions Red Bull’s Miami GP qualifying tactics as Sergio Perez secures pole at the cost of ‘golden boy’ Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen will start from P9 as he did not set a lap time before the red flag in qualifying.
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Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko
Qualifying at the Miami Grand Prix saw several surprises and plot twists. Both the McLarens were knocked out in Q1, Lewis Hamilton faltered in Q2, and even Valtteri Bottas made it to Q3. However, the biggest turn of events was when Max Verstappen, pole favorite, found out he would be starting only ninth on the grid.
With only three minutes remaining, Christian Horner and Red Bull sent Max Verstappen out to set a lap time. While on his out-lap, Charles Leclerc put his Ferrari into the barriers at turn 7, red-flagging the session. This ended the qualifying prematurely, and the Dutchman did not register a lap time. A result of which he will start from ninth on the grid.
Helmut Marko spoke on this subject to ORF,. The Red Bull consultant and advisor said, “This was just bad luck in Q3, but in terms of speed he could compete. Maybe tactically we didn’t handle this in the best way, but we have to see what to do. Starting from ninth, that will be difficult for him.” Marko also went on to praise Sergio Perez for securing pole, but rued Verstappen’s bad luck.
Verstappen is no stranger to cutting his way through the pack to secure a good result. It was seen extensively last season. He was also quickest in Q1 and Q2. However, the most worrying aspect for him is that his teammate Sergio Perez, starts on pole. And he is highly likely to shed the six point deficit between them and lead the championship.
The race at Miami is expected to be a turbulent one
Despite the Red Bulls being in a league of their own when it comes to pace, the fast, twisting corners in Miami are set to produce a high-intensity race. The practice sessions and qualifying all saw red flags. An incident that triggers the deployment of the Safety Car during the race is highly likely. This will make strategy play a crucial role in Sunday’s race. There is no margin for error.
The starting grid is highly unorthodox, with the likes of Valtteri Bottas for Alfa Romeo in P10 and the Haas of Kevin Magnussen in P4. Verstappen will want to make up places quickly. There will undoubtedly be some risky, daring moves from the Red Bull golden boy, as it is his trademark.
Sergio Perez starting on pole is massive, especially on a weekend where he struggled to find balance with the car. His proclivity for victories at street circuits, coupled with Verstappen’s unlucky P9, could well see him lead the drivers’ standings after the race.
Red Bull will be aiming to get their strategy on the money this time, after their mishap in Baku. It potentially cost their superstar Verstappen the race win. There is also rain forecasted on race day.
So the world may be set to witness a wet race, filled with Safety Cars and a high number of overtakes. Red Bull undoubtedly jeopardized Verstappen’s title charge with their qualifying mishap and will seek to avoid it in the coming races.
In case you missed it:
- ‘Annoyed’ Max Verstappen breaks silence on poor Miami GP qualifying, blames himself as luck favors Sergio Perez
- “Disappointed in myself,” Charles Leclerc upset over Miami GP qualifying crash
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Tanuj Sadasivam
(245 Articles Published)