Helmut Marko fears that "fireworks" could erupt between old foes Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen at the start of Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix.
The stage is set for an exhilarating battle at the Hungaroring as Hamilton and Verstappen find themselves side-by-side on the front row of the grid for the first time since Abu Dhabi in 2021.
Given the pair's past history, marked especially by their monumental clash at Silverstone in 2021, the anticipation is palpable, and many expect the two fierce competitors to go wheel-to-wheel into the first few corners of the race.
Surviving the latter will likely be key to fans enjoying a clean race according to Marko.
"The first three corners are critical at the start," the Red Bull motorsport boss told Sky Germany. "The combination of Lewis and Max often creates fireworks."
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Although Verstappen complained after qualifying about his car's lack of balance around the Hungaroring, Marko believes that Red Bull's race pace remains superior to that of Mercedes.
However, with scorching temperatures forecasted for Sunday afternoon in Hungary, tyre degradation and strategy are likely to come into play.
"In the long runs, we were very strong and the fastest," added Marko.
"However, we are in Hungary and overtaking is difficult here. It will be even warmer and maybe we will see a three or four-stopper, a lot is possible.
"We have two cars in the top 10 and possibly that can help."
In the Mercedes camp, Hamilton acknowledged Red Bull's remarkable race pace as displayed during practice simulations.
But the seven-time world champion believes that if he can somehow resist his opponent's attacks, then he might be in for a chance to return to the top step of the podium.
"Normally it’s not a bad race car, we tend to have decent race pace," said Hamilton after qualifying.
"Max’s race pace yesterday was, I think, quite extraordinary. I think they were quite a bit quicker than us.
"But if there’s a way to hold position then maybe there’s a fighting chance for us."
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