Marko Explains Why Max Verstappen’s Baku Crash Won’t Hurt Red Bull’s F1 Budget

Max Verstappen blew his chance to extend his lead on Lewis Hamilton at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Although the crash was the result of a rear tire blowout, it looked calamitous, with the Dutchman spinning into the wall on the final straight.

Although they took 25 points from Baku thanks to Sergio Perez, the damage to Verstappen’s car cost them dearly. Red Bull advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko, outlines the damage done to the car, along with describing how Verstappen’s DNF affects him and the team.

Limited damage from Verstappen’s crash is a relief: Marko

A high-speed crash, more often than not, causes catastrophic damage to an F1 car. Although Verstappen dominated in Baku, his disastrous crash in Lap 47 left him notching his first DNF of the season.

With his left rear tire giving up, the Dutchman lost control of the car, causing him to spin on the final straight and hitting the barriers on his right.

In an interview with Auto Motor Sport, Marko expressed relief over the limited damage to Verstappen’s car after the crash. He said, “Thank goodness the damage is limited because Verstappen hit a spot where there is a bulge on the track. This gave him a little more run-off area.” (Quotes translated by Google)

When asked whether the team billed Pirelli for the crash, Marko had a simple response. “No, we didn’t, because unfortunately it is theoretically not possible,” said the Austrian.

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Marko: Four-point lead to Max Verstappen doesn’t reflect our strength this season

Although Verstappen crashed out in Baku, his title rival Lewis Hamilton finished P15, which meant the Dutchman kept his four-point lead intact. However, Marko believes Red Bull look much better than the gap in the driver’s championship shows right now.

The 78-year-old said, “We are the fastest combination. Car plus driver. But we’re only four points ahead. That doesn’t reflect our strength. With the luck that Mercedes has, you have to be happy at every point by which you can break away.”

With the championship battle headed to Le Castellet, Red Bull need to be wary of Mercedes‘ threat in the French Grand Prix. Can the Austrian outfit remain at the top of both championships after June 20th?

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