Helmut Marko's Dream: Verstappen's Fifth Title Still Alive

Helmut Marko couldn't hide his delight after Max Verstappen's stunning victory at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, savoring every ironic remark exchanged with Dutch journalists. He particularly enjoyed Verstappen's swift response to Lando Norris' engineer, who confidently stated, "We're going to go get Max," only for Verstappen to unleash a flurry of fastest laps.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's dominant performance in Las Vegas, coupled with unexpected twists in the championship, has reignited hopes for a fifth consecutive title, a personal dream for Helmut Marko. This late-season surge by Red Bull, overcoming internal turmoil and a significant points deficit, showcases the team's resilience and Verstappen's unparalleled talent, keeping the championship fight alive against all odds.

The big picture:

This year has been exceptionally challenging for Red Bull, a stark contrast to recent seasons of dominance. The team faced a proper stress test, having to chase their rivals and navigate significant internal shifts, including the departures of key figures like Christian Horner and Adrian Newey. At one point, Red Bull seemed to have lost its way, with Max Verstappen struggling to even make Q3 in Hungary and falling nearly 100 points behind McLaren drivers.

The details:

• Verstappen's Unstoppable Form: Marko lauded Verstappen's "unbelievable show" in Las Vegas, highlighting how he forced Norris into an early mistake and then controlled the race from start to finish. Verstappen is widely considered the best driver on the grid, with Marko seeing him as an even more refined, nearly flawless version of Sebastian Vettel.
• Red Bull's Resilience: Despite the mid-season struggles and leadership changes, Red Bull's second half has been a "sugary Hollywood sports film" scenario. Verstappen has remarkably erased a substantial points gap, demonstrating the team's ability to regroup and innovate.
• Key Departures and New Leadership: The departures of Horner and Newey created a void, leading to questions about the team's direction. However, Pierre Wache has proven capable of leading the technical development without Newey, and Laurent Mekies, who replaced Horner, has successfully reduced internal conflicts, allowing the team to focus solely on racing.
• Unexpected Championship Twist: Marko's dream of a fifth consecutive title for Verstappen seemed distant just hours before the Las Vegas race, with Verstappen 42 points behind Norris. However, McLaren's subsequent disqualification drastically altered the championship landscape, making Marko's long-held ambition realistic once again.

What's next:

While the championship remains a mighty challenge due to Lando Norris's strong form and consistent performance, the unexpected turns in the Las Vegas Grand Prix have injected new life into Red Bull's title aspirations. Marko's dream lives on, at least for another week, as the F1 season continues to deliver surprising twists. The upcoming races will be a true test of Verstappen's and Red Bull's ability to maintain their momentum and capitalize on any further opportunities.