Marko Reveals Verstappen's 'Magic Lap' Conversation Before Abu Dhabi Pole

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko disclosed a brief but impactful conversation with Max Verstappen before the Dutchman secured pole position for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Verstappen, despite initial struggles with his car, delivered two 'magic laps' in qualifying, putting him ahead of both McLaren drivers and setting the stage for a tense season finale.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen's pursuit of a record-setting fifth consecutive Formula 1 Drivers' Championship hinges on his performance in Abu Dhabi. A strong qualifying result is crucial, especially with McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri posing a significant threat. Red Bull's ability to extract such performance from a initially 'difficult' car highlights their strategic prowess and Verstappen's exceptional skill under pressure.

The details:

• Initial Struggles: Verstappen's car proved challenging to handle earlier in the qualifying sessions, raising concerns about his pace.
• Crucial Adjustments: Red Bull engineers made key changes to the RB21, which Marko stated made the car "come alive" and significantly faster.
• 'Magic Lap' Challenge: Marko explicitly told Verstappen before the final qualifying session, "You know we need a magic lap from you." Verstappen responded by delivering not one, but two sensational laps.
• Qualifying Dominance: Verstappen secured pole position, being one-tenth quicker than Lando Norris, who will start second. Oscar Piastri qualified third.
• Race Setup: Marko believes the adjustments made to the car might prove even more beneficial for the race, suggesting Red Bull is confident in their long-run pace.
• Championship Scenario: Despite pole, Verstappen still needs Norris to finish off the podium in the final race to clinch his fifth title.
• Mercedes' Role: Marko had hoped Mercedes would challenge McLaren in qualifying to help Verstappen's championship bid, but noted only Charles Leclerc seemed to be in contention.

The big picture:

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is shaping up to be a dramatic conclusion to the F1 season. With the top three drivers in the championship also starting in the first three grid positions, the battle for the title is set to be intense from the very first corner. Red Bull's strategic adjustments and Verstappen's ability to perform under pressure are key factors in this high-stakes showdown.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to the race, where Verstappen will aim to convert his pole position into a victory and secure his fifth consecutive world championship. The performance of the McLarens and any potential interference from other teams, particularly Charles Leclerc, will be crucial in determining the final outcome of the championship battle.