With six races remaining in the 2023 Formula 1 season, Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has laid out a clear path for Max Verstappen to secure his fourth consecutive world championship.
However, the Dutchman's achievements in the final six races of the season will also be crucial in reigniting Red Bull's challenge for the Constructors' title, a battle currently led by McLaren.
While Verstappen maintains a comfortable 52-point lead over Lando Norris in the Drivers' standings, Red Bull finds itself 41 points behind team papaya in the Constructors' Championship.
McLaren’s current strength, which was on full display last time out in Singapore where Lando Norris enjoyed a crushing win, bodes well for the Woking-based outfit, a fact Marko won’t deny although Red Bull’s primary focus remains on the Drivers’ title.
"With the performance we have now? Yes,” the Austrian replied when asked by Motorsport-Total if Red Bull had written off the Constructors’ title.
However, a change of complexion is still possible, insisted Marko.
"If Max wins races again and Sergio can finish third or fourth, things will look different again. But as I said, the focus is primarily on the drivers' title."
Verstappen’s second-place finish in Singapore provided a glimmer of hope for Red Bull, suggesting that the team’s performance is gradually improving.
Speculation has also arisen that Red Bull may introduce an upgraded package at the United States Grand Prix, which could prove pivotal in turning the tide of their season.
©McLaren
If the changes deliver the performance boost Red Bull needs, Verstappen will have a strong chance to take the fight to McLaren in the closing rounds.
But Marko emphasized that the Dutchman remains the key to Red Bull's fortunes.
"If you can achieve that [the drivers' title], and I think that is only possible if Max wins at least two more races, then things will look a little more optimistic for the constructors' championship."
The path forward is therefore clear: Verstappen must secure two more victories to wrap up his fourth world title and give Red Bull a shot at overcoming McLaren in the constructors' standings.
While the challenge is steep, Marko’s optimism suggests that Red Bull isn’t ready to give up the fight just yet.
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