Red Bull’s Helmut Marko Reveals the ‘Special’ Performance Which Sealed Max Verstappen’s Fate in F1: “Per Lap 2 Seconds and More…”

The Red Bull advisor, Helmut Marko, has always been all praises for their Dutch Lion, Max Verstappen. Aside from being the advisor, Marko is a huge Verstappen supporter. There was an interview, wherein Marko shared about the first time that he thought Max Verstappen was special.

Marko explains that back when Max was racing for Formula 3, he displayed immense dedication and undeniable talent on the tracks. He exclaimed that he had been in touch with the Dutch boy and his father, Jos Verstappen. However, he recalls one race in particular that deemed Verstappen as worthy.

Looking back at why Helmut Marko chose Max Verstappen for the F1 team of Toro Rosso, he talked about that very race, which was in Germany. One that took place at Norisring.

Reminiscing about the time, Helmut shared, “Oh, We had been in contact with Max and Jos Verstappen for quite a while. It was a surprise how quickly he adapted to Formula 3. And the moment where I thought that something really special was, at Norisring. When he was- in mixed conditions; It was more wet than dry. Per lap two seconds and more quicker than anybody else.”

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The Red Bull man has absolute faith in the Dutchman. So much so that, even though Perez showcases strong focus, he believes Max will make the most wins in 2023.

Helmut Marko declares Max Verstappen as the dominant Red Bull driver

In a recent interview with Sport Bild, the Austrian team advisor bluntly took sides when questioned if Sergio Perez would potentially rise to the occasion in the season of 2023. Helmut Marko has faith in Verstappen to reach heights that haven’t been achieved by Red Bull before.

Despite his support for the Mexican racer, who has been bagging wins and securing podiums, Marko is leaning toward the world champion, Max Verstappen, over teammate, Sergio Perez.

He said, “Checo can certainly win a race or two. But at the moment, I don’t see that he can challenge Max for a whole season. In general, I don’t see that anyone with the same prerequisites can do that at the moment.”

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Things between Max and Sergio have been a bit rocky in the last couple of races. However, the drivers have now declared that they have resolved all their differences. Will these play a role in the upcoming season and hinder the Red Bull dominance? Or will the two work together to remain at top of the game?