Helmut Marko on Max Verstappen's 'Risk' Habit: 'You Can't Get That Out of Him'
Helmut Marko, Red Bull's motorsport advisor, discussed Max Verstappen's consistent tendency to chase fastest laps, even when leading comfortably, calling it a 'risk' that defines his driving style. Verstappen demonstrated this again at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, securing a dominant win but still pushing for the fastest lap on the final tour. Marko acknowledged this ingrained habit, highlighting the fine line between aggressive pursuit of excellence and unnecessary risk, a core aspect of Verstappen's championship-winning mentality that Red Bull has learned to manage.
Red Bull's motorsport advisor Helmut Marko recently discussed Max Verstappen's relentless pursuit of fastest laps, even when comfortably leading, highlighting it as a 'risk' that is simply ingrained in the Dutchman's driving style. This tendency was evident at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where Verstappen secured a dominant victory, but still pushed for the fastest lap on the final tour.
Why it matters:
Max Verstappen's aggressive driving style, characterized by pushing limits even when not strictly necessary, epitomizes his championship-winning mentality. While this approach has delivered immense success, Marko's comments underscore the fine line between calculated risk and unnecessary exposure, especially for a driver consistently contending for titles and records. This insight offers a glimpse into the internal dynamics at Red Bull and the unique challenge of managing a talent like Verstappen.
The Details:
- Las Vegas Dominance: Verstappen started second at the Las Vegas Grand Prix but quickly took the lead after a mistake by Lando Norris. He maintained his lead throughout, ultimately winning by 21 seconds.
- Norris's Challenge: McLaren initially encouraged Lando Norris to push and try to catch Verstappen, a message relayed to the Red Bull driver. Verstappen responded by setting a series of fastest laps.
- Last-Lap Pursuit: Despite holding a significant lead, Verstappen famously pushed to set the fastest lap on the very last lap of the race. This behavior is a recurring pattern for him.
- Marko's Concern: Helmut Marko acknowledges the inherent 'risk' in Verstappen's drive to consistently set fastest laps, even when a win is already secured. He noted, "You just can't get that out of him, but there is a certain risk in it."
- Key to Vegas Success: Marko attributed Red Bull's success in Las Vegas to superior tire management and a well-optimized setup, which allowed Verstappen to always have reserves.
Between the lines:
Verstappen's relentless nature is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it's a testament to his competitive spirit and a key factor in his numerous victories and records. On the other, it introduces an element of risk, however small, when a race is already won. This approach could be seen as an expression of his absolute confidence in his abilities and the car, or perhaps a psychological tactic to assert dominance even further. For Red Bull, managing such a prodigious talent means accepting these calculated risks as part of the package that delivers unparalleled performance.
What's next:
With two rounds remaining in the season, Verstappen's focus will remain on extending his impressive run of victories and potentially setting new records. While Marko's comments highlight a persistent trait, it's unlikely Red Bull will curb Verstappen's instincts given his success. The team will continue to provide him with the machinery to push boundaries, trusting that his skill mitigates the inherent risks, as they look to conclude another dominant season.