Max Verstappen claimed another hard-earned victory last weekend in Spain. Despite McLaren’s MCL38 being the fastest car, Verstappen capitalised on the window of opportunity presented to him and took the chequered flag. Like much of the paddock, Helmut Marko believes that the Dutchman will be the difference-maker in the Championship.
A few weeks ago, Helmut Marko spoke about “the Verstappen factor.” The 81-year-old explained that despite the RB20’s relative decline, he was confident the Dutchman could make up the gap.
Initially, these comments were met with scepticism across social media. After all, with McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes at the front, expecting Verstappen to win consistently without the fastest car seemed a stretch – even for someone of his talents.
However, in three of the last four weekends, the three-time Champion has achieved this feat.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – JUNE 22: Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Consultant Dr Helmut Marko talks with a Oracle Red Bull Racing team member during final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 22, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202406220226 // Usage for editorial use only //
Red Bull concerned about McLaren threat
Speaking after the Spanish GP, Marko analysed Red Bull’s chances against McLaren:
“Another challenge awaits us in Spielberg. Max always has a chance of winning, but we will be racing there in a sprint format weekend,” he wrote on Speedweek.
“And that means we only have one session to set up the car.
“Recently, however, we have always needed all three practice sessions to get the car somewhat balanced, and if this problem persists, it could make life difficult for us.”
With such a close fight at the front, Sprint weekends become even more difficult to predict. Four teams are separated by a few tenths, meaning any set-up mistakes will be punished severely.
The difference between first and seventh place could be decided by the team’s simulation work – well before the cars even hit the track.
Helmut Marko has no doubts in Max Verstappen
Of course, the driver also plays a role. Perhaps more so than in previous years, drivers can make the difference in the Championship.
For Helmut Marko, of course, this area is where Red Bull has a huge advantage.
“And last year, McLaren was resurrected at the Red Bull Ring. They brought their upgrade there, and from then on, they were fast.
“However, Max drives practically error-free, which Lando can’t do yet, thank God, but he remains our main competitor.
“So I hope that Mercedes will get stronger and be the second strongest force for a while. That would certainly help us with a view to the World Championship.”
Over the last few months, it is undeniable that rivals have caught up to the reigning Champions. They are losing ground in the development war.
With fourteen rounds still to go in 2024, the factory in Milton Keynes needs to unlock more performance.
Even the latest upgrades to the RB20 in Spain were only enough to tread water relative to McLaren. That said, whilst they are in the mix, Christian Horner’s team has proven capable of optimising their package.
