Helmut Marko does not believe in a spectacular comeback from Red Bull in the second half of the season and is worried about Max Verstappen’s situation.
After eleven Grands Prix without a single victory, Max Verstappen is going through one of the most difficult seasons of his recent career.
If Red Bull managed to reverse the trend last year thanks to a significant wave of developments, Helmut Marko believes that such a scenario is unlikely to happen again this season.
The former Red Bull advisor thinks that the current difficulties are much deeper.
“They are not consistently fast enough. On top of that, things don’t seem to be going completely well between Max and the engineers.”
McLaren and Ferrari complicate the task
For Marko, Red Bull now has to face much stronger competition than before.
McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes have all won since the start of the season, while Verstappen is still waiting for his first victory of the year.
The Austrian executive believes that the RB22 primarily lacks stability.
“The competition from McLaren and Ferrari is too strong, and the car is far too unstable. I certainly wouldn’t bet on a comeback similar to last year.”
Read more Charles Leclerc sends a clear message to Ferrari
A statement that contrasts with the optimism shown in recent weeks within the team.
An uncertain future still at the heart of rumors
Despite these difficulties, Verstappen has still stood on the podium five times since the start of the season.
His results remain solid, but speculation about his future continues to fuel the paddock.
However, the four-time world champion is still tied to Red Bull by a contract running until the end of 2028.
“I sincerely hope he stays”
Helmut Marko does not hide his wish to see Verstappen continue the adventure with the Milton Keynes team.
Having accompanied the Dutchman throughout his rise in Formula 1, he hopes their collaboration will continue for several more seasons.
“I sincerely hope he stays.”
If Red Bull continues to believe in a recovery, Helmut Marko is much more cautious. For him, the competition is now too strong and the weaknesses of the RB22 too significant to imagine a spectacular comeback for Max Verstappen in the fight for victories during this second half of the season.
Read more McLaren on a scouting mission in Portimão with its three drivers: no break yet