Marko Identifies Single Factor to Revive Verstappen's Title Hopes

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko believes that only a significant incident involving Lando Norris—such as a retirement or a collision—can revive Max Verstappen's fading hopes for a fifth consecutive F1 drivers' championship. Verstappen currently trails Norris by 49 points with just 83 points remaining over three rounds.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's championship aspirations, once a near certainty, have significantly dwindled, primarily due to McLaren's resurgence and Red Bull's inconsistent performance in recent races. For Red Bull, securing another drivers' title is crucial for team morale and maintaining their dominant image, especially after years of consistent success.

The Details:

• Points Deficit: Max Verstappen is 49 points behind Lando Norris in the drivers' standings with only three Grand Prix weekends and one Sprint race remaining. A maximum of 83 points are available.
• Marko's Assessment: Helmut Marko stated in his Speedweek column that "something has to happen for Lando Norris now if Max's championship hopes are to stay alive." He specifically cited a "retirement or a collision" for Norris as the only viable path for Verstappen.
• Team-mate Factor: Even if Norris faces an issue, McLaren's Oscar Piastri is still 25 points ahead of Verstappen, further complicating the championship picture.
• Red Bull's Progress: Despite the current deficit, Marko expressed satisfaction with Red Bull's turnaround earlier in the season, which saw them re-enter the title fight. This transformation is credited to Laurent Mekies' leadership, who helped improve the six-time constructors' champions.

The Big Picture:

Red Bull's performance at Interlagos, though salvaged by Verstappen's podium finish from the pit lane, highlighted the team's recent struggles. McLaren has shown remarkable consistency and pace, particularly with Norris, shifting the championship momentum. The unpredictability of the final triple-header, encompassing Qatar, Las Vegas, and Abu Dhabi, adds another layer of complexity.

What's next:

The remaining races will be critical, but predicting outcomes is challenging due to the changing dynamics of Formula 1. Marko noted that specific circuits no longer favor certain cars as definitively as they once did.

• Circuit Suitability: Las Vegas, with its high-speed sections, theoretically should suit Red Bull better. Qatar and Abu Dhabi, featuring medium-speed corners, are expected to play more to McLaren's strengths.
• Setup Importance: Marko emphasized that finding the right setup on a given day will be crucial for Red Bull to compete at McLaren's level. The daily form of teams like Ferrari and Mercedes will also play a significant role.