Red Bull lays out clear path for Verstappen to secure F1 title

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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.

Read also: Jos Verstappen slams FIA over Max’s ‘ridiculous’ punishment

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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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.