“Not Ready for the Title”: Max Verstappen Gets Lucky With Red Bull Championship as Golden Era Marked by Gloomy Reality

Max Verstappen has pretty much decimated the entire paddock with his super-fast car and exhilarating driving. The Dutch Lion is on his way to win his second World Championship in successive years. He has done so by winning 11 of the 16 races so far.

It is no surprise that Max Verstappen has earned the praise of several people in the sport. Among them is Red Bull’s advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko. The Austrian has praised Verstappen’s maturity as a driver this season. Furthermore, he also compared the Dutchman to a 4-time winner with Red Bull, Sebastian Vettel.

Helmut Marko explained the differences between Vettel’s 2009 season and Max’s current season as a Red Bull driver. He talked about the suddenness of them winning 4 titles after a gloomy 2009 season and the effect it had on the team.

Marko said, “In 2009 we were not ready for the title, but then those four years suddenly came. That has reduced the pressure within the team.” (Translated with google translate)

The Austrian also compared the differences in the team’s harmony between both timelines. He claimed Max has an advantage and a ‘better package’ because of being the team’s number 1 driver.

Marko added, “We now have a clear number one. In Vettel’s time, that was actually Mark Webber, so that created a certain rivalry. Max also has a better package that way.”

READ MORE: “Happy That Was Happening”: Max Verstappen Tells All on That Safety Car Call That Dethroned Lewis Hamilton

Max Verstappen is currently 116 points ahead of 2nd placed Charles Leclerc in the championship. Furthermore, he can win his 2nd title in the upcoming Singapore GP.

Sergio Perez looking to challenge Max Verstappen for the title in 2023

Red Bull’s Mexican driver Sergio Perez has admitted that he is looking to challenge his teammate and World Champion Max Verstappen for the title next year. Checo also stated that he had not adapted to the car well enough this year.

Perez told to Fox Sports Mexico, “Max will be the champion, so being second or third doesn’t matter to me but in 2023 I can aspire to win the title again. This has still been an important year because the team has seen that I can be as competitive as Max. We are analyzing it so that we are fighting for the title in 2023.”

The Mexican is confident that he can turn his form around and finish the season on a strong note. He further mentions his dream of winning his home race once in his career.

He added, “It’s in me and I’m not making any excuses at all. Anyone who knows me knows I’ll turn this around, that I’ll keep working hard and I’m sure I’ll close the year well.”

“I want to go back to winning races, and that’s my goal for the last six races, and, of course, finally winning the Mexican Grand Prix is ​​undoubtedly the dream of my career,” the Mexican driver concluded.

WATCH THIS STORY: Christian Horner Speaks Up on Possible Audi-Porsche 2026 F1 Partnership – “Would Be Very Easy…”

F1 returns with the Singapore GP and Max Verstappen will be looking to clinch the title on his birthday weekend. With Mercedes and Ferrari on his tail, can Max elude his rivals and win the title in Singapore?