Marko: Verstappen title bid ‘not impossible’ if McLaren ‘helps’

Red Bull’s Helmut Marko believes Max Verstappen’s bid for a fifth Formula 1 world title in 2025 isn’t over just yet – though he admits the reigning champion will need “some help from McLaren” to pull off what would be one of the most dramatic comebacks in the history of the sport.

Verstappen enters the United States Grand Prix weekend 63 points adrift of championship leader Oscar Piastri. While the deficit remains sizable, Verstappen’s resurgence since the summer break – highlighted by two wins and two second-place finishes in four races – has breathed new life into his campaign.

Marko was quick to praise the Red Bull team’s progress with the RB21, which has transformed from an inconsistent machine earlier in the season into a front-running challenger once more.

“Since Zandvoort, we were always fighting for P1, P2. So the direction is okay. Unfortunately, this turnaround came a little bit late,” said the Austrian.

“All this [discussion about] medium speed, the temperature and all these stories, they don’t count anymore. We are there, and if in one corner we may be [off the pace], it’s going within thousands of a second. It’s not like it was before, half a second or so in some sectors.

“It shows that our car made a big step forward and Max, of course, is using it to the maximum. If we would have made this turnaround earlier, the championship would look different.”

A Late-Season Charge and a Slim Chance

Despite the late revival, Marko concedes that Verstappen’s title charge can’t rely solely on Red Bull’s improved pace.

McLaren, which has been the benchmark team for much of the season, will need to falter for the championship fight to truly open up.

“I think we can’t do it on our own. We need some help from McLaren. It’s not impossible,” he said.

• Read also: Verstappen braces for ‘tough’ Sprint showdown with McLaren rivals

That cautious optimism reflects the fine margins currently defining Formula 1’s front-running battle. Verstappen will start the Sprint race at COTA from pole position, with Lando Norris and Piastri right behind – a golden opportunity for the Dutchman to further trim the gap in the standings.

Praise for a “Super” Lap

Marko was full of admiration for Verstappen’s qualifying performance, which earned him Sprint pole by just 0.071 seconds over Norris.

“[It was] super,” Marko enthused. “In sector 3, he made the pole. Turn 1, he went sideways, but even so he was quicker. He was sliding a bit too much, I guess, but unbelievable lap and sector 3. It’s up to him and he delivers.”

Looking ahead to the Sprint, Marko expects the rising temperatures in Austin to play into McLaren’s hands in terms of tyre degradation, but he also believes Verstappen has what it takes to fend them off.

“It should be even hotter tomorrow. That normally favours McLaren. But I hope when Max stays ahead that he can manage it,” he said.

With Red Bull’s form surging and Verstappen back at his relentless best, Marko’s words carry a hint of belief – that the world champion’s chase for a fifth crown may yet have another twist in store.

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