Marko laughs at Verstappen statements: 'Difficult in one year'

Helmut Marko is impressed with the fighting spirit Red Bull Racing has shown to the outside world this season. Despite a disappointing start to the season, the Austrian formation managed to fight its way back and that deserves respect, according to Red Bull's advisor.

Verstappen was hoping to open well immediately after his first world title this calendar year, but two stoppages in the first three races meant he saw his new rival Charles Leclerc run further ahead. It made the Monegasque candidate for the world title.

"What did Max say again in Australia? 'I need 36 races to close the gap?' That would have been a bit difficult in one year. Then we intensified our programme," Marko explained in conversation with Auto, Motor und Sport.

The Austrian says the team worked hard behind the scenes. "The mistakes were analysed. The first two failures were because of Red Bull. The third failure was Honda. Then we improved quality control."

Red Bull developed reliable car

For Verstappen, the two stoppages were the only ones of the season, while Sergio Perez fell by the wayside later in the year. The Mexican had to drop out in Canada due to gearbox problem and had to drive his car inside in Austria after a collision with George Russell.