Helmut Marko confesses Max Verstappen ‘saved’ Red Bull in difficult 2024
Helmut Marko reckoned that Max Verstappen acted as a savior for Red Bull during a close title fight in 2024.
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Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
Max Verstappen and Red Bull faced a real challenge in Formula 1 for the first time in three years this season. The Dutch driver managed to keep things under control and win the title. Now, Dr. Helmut Marko has admitted that the 27-year-old deserves the credit for his championship triumph.
The reigning world champion had a strong start to 2024, winning seven out of the first ten races. However, Red Bull soon faced various problems and fell behind McLaren. Helmut Marko acknowledged that the team was unaware where it went wrong in the development over its recent struggles.
It was a very difficult year for us, especially with our technical problems. At one point, we didn’t know where we had taken a wrong turn.
Helmut Marko said, as reported by GPBlog
The 81-year-old pointed out that at times, the RB20 was the fourth fastest car on the grid. In such situations, Max Verstappen served as the decisive factor who ensured that Red Bull could still win races. Verstappen’s consistency allowed him to take his fourth consecutive world title this year.
Sometimes, we only had the fourth fastest car. In this situation, Max saved us by working around the car’s weaknesses.
Helmut Marko explained
Helmut Marko takes subtle jibe at McLaren’s strategy calls
McLaren’s Lando Norris battled it out against Verstappen for the Drivers’ title. Marko recalled that despite the technical issues faced by Milton Keynes, Max Verstappen did not face any strategic errors. On the other hand, Helmut Marko took a subtle dig at Norris’ squad for making a handful of mistakes in the strategy department this season.
Despite the technical problems, we never allowed ourselves to make a mistake in terms of strategy, unlike McLaren in some situations.
Helmut Marko added
Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s experience in title fights played a big role in the 27-year-old’s title triumph. The four-time world champion stayed a step ahead of Norris, especially when it came to mind games on and off-track. Now, he would be hoping to continue this run after the winter break.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2271 Articles Published)