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via Imago
VERSTAPPEN Max (ned), Red Bull Racing RB19, portrait ALONSO Fernando (spa), Aston Martin F1 Team AMR23, portrait HAMILTON Lewis (gbr), Mercedes AMG F1 Team W14, portrait press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz during the Formula 1 Pirelli Grand Prix du Canada, 8th round of the 2023 Formula One World Championship, WM, Weltmeisterschaft from June 16 to 18, 2023 on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, in Montrà al, Canada – F1 – CANADIAN GRAND PRIX 2023 – RACE DPPI/Panoramic PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRAxITAxBEL 00123021__R5_3517
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via Imago
VERSTAPPEN Max (ned), Red Bull Racing RB19, portrait ALONSO Fernando (spa), Aston Martin F1 Team AMR23, portrait HAMILTON Lewis (gbr), Mercedes AMG F1 Team W14, portrait press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz during the Formula 1 Pirelli Grand Prix du Canada, 8th round of the 2023 Formula One World Championship, WM, Weltmeisterschaft from June 16 to 18, 2023 on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, in Montrà al, Canada – F1 – CANADIAN GRAND PRIX 2023 – RACE DPPI/Panoramic PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRAxITAxBEL 00123021__R5_3517
In a recent turn of events, Red Bull’s consultant, Helmut Marko, made a striking comment that caught the attention of Formula 1 fan worldwide. Amidst fierce competition from top drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, it was, surprisingly, neither of them who Marko considered as the major threat to Max Verstappen at the Canadian Grand Prix.
Marko’s words came in the wake of Verstappen’s dominating performance at the Grand Prix, where he led from start to finish, securing his sixth win in eight races. This victory furthered Red Bull’s impeccable 100% winning record this season, with Sergio Pérez clinching the other two races. While Verstappen’s performance was undeniably impressive, Marko shed light on the unexpected challenge the Red Bull team faced.
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via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Spanish Grand Prix – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain – June 4, 2023 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen stands on the podium after winning the Spanish Grand Prix REUTERS/Albert Gea
Speaking to ServusTV, as quoted by Motorsport-total.com, Marko expressed, “It wasn’t easy. We had problems with the hard tires getting them up to temperature. The race was more difficult than we thought.” He further highlighted an unforeseen threat, stating, “Thank God Ferrari started from so far behind, because they were actually the fastest on both tires.”
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Marko’s statement emphasized the crucial role that positioning played in this race. Despite their remarkable speed, Ferrari’s disadvantageous starting position allowed Verstappen to avoid a direct threat from them. Now, let’s delve into the implications of this revelation.
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The Silent Threat: The Ferrari Factor in Future Races
The Ferrari team’s speed, as pointed out by Marko, positions them as potential disruptors in future races. Their capability to post faster times, even from behind, underlines their latent threat to the front runners, particularly when they secure favorable positions on the grid.
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via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Spanish Grand Prix – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain – June 4, 2023 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in action as he leads into the first corner at start of the race ahead of Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. REUTERS/Albert Gea TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
This raises intriguing questions for the upcoming races. Will Ferrari’s speed turn into tangible success when starting conditions are more favorable? How will Verstappen and Red Bull adapt their strategy to counter this potential threat?
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Watch This Story: Helmut Marko blasts Lewis Hamilton for role in Michael Masi sacking
Marko’s comment, though seemingly casual, has added a new dimension to the championship race. It reminds us that in Formula 1, threats are not always where one expects. While Verstappen’s current form is impressive, the upcoming races may demand a keen eye on Ferrari, an element that could add an exciting twist to the narrative. The world of Formula 1, it seems, is poised for some thrilling showdowns ahead.
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