Marko Seeks Mercedes, Ferrari Help for Verstappen's Abu Dhabi Title Bid

Max Verstappen heads into the Abu Dhabi season finale as a legitimate contender for his fifth consecutive World Championship, a remarkable turnaround that would mark one of Formula 1's greatest comeback stories. Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko is openly hoping for a helping hand from Mercedes and potentially Ferrari to make this improbable title snatch a reality.

Why it matters:

• After trailing by a significant margin, Verstappen's unexpected surge to title contention in the final race of the season underscores the unpredictable nature of F1 and Red Bull's strategic prowess. For Verstappen to clinch his fifth title would be a historic achievement, especially considering his current points deficit.
• The scenario highlights the critical role of midfield teams in influencing championship outcomes, as Mercedes and Ferrari's performance could directly impact McLaren's strategy and Norris's final position.

The details:

• Points Standings: Lando Norris currently leads with a 12-point advantage over Verstappen, with Oscar Piastri 16 points behind, setting up a thrilling three-way title decider.
• Verstappen's Challenge: To win the title, Verstappen needs to finish on the podium, ideally winning the race. Even with a victory, Norris only needs a fourth-place finish to secure the championship.
• Strategic Play: Red Bull's strategy in Qatar, where they outmaneuvered McLaren, allowed Verstappen to remain in the title fight.
• Marko's Hopes for Rivals: Helmut Marko explicitly stated his wish for Mercedes to be competitive in Abu Dhabi, believing their presence at the front could disrupt McLaren's race. He also welcomed Ferrari's potential involvement.
  • "I hope we find our setup earlier, not only in Q3," Marko said. "And then with this speed we had [in Qatar], I think we can match them [McLaren]. And I hope Mercedes is competitive."
  • He added, "Ferrari, maybe, in Abu Dhabi. The more cars that are in between, the better for us."
• Historical Precedent: Marko drew parallels to Sebastian Vettel's 2010 Abu Dhabi title win, where Vettel clinched the championship despite not leading at any prior stage of the season, arriving 15 points behind.

Between the lines:

• Marko's comments reveal Red Bull's tactical mindset: they are not just focused on their own performance but also on how other teams might inadvertently aid their championship aspirations. The strategy hinges on rivals putting pressure on McLaren.
• The comparison to 2010 with Vettel suggests a belief in dramatic comebacks, but Marko also acknowledged the difference, noting that in 2010, Ferrari focused on Vettel, whereas now McLaren has to focus solely on Verstappen.

What's next:

• The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will see whether Mercedes and Ferrari can indeed play spoiler for McLaren, creating the chaotic race scenario Verstappen needs.
• All eyes will be on Norris and Verstappen, with Piastri as a dark horse, to see who can handle the pressure of a title-deciding race under potentially challenging circumstances created by rival teams.