16/10/2025 17:45
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has cited two reasons he doubts Max
Verstappen can clinch a fifth-consecutive F1 drivers' championship
this F1 season. The Dutchman has remarkably dragged himself back
into contention for the title against the dominant McLarens of
Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. At one stage, Verstappen was 104
points adrift of the Australian, but his strong recent form — which
has seen him take two victories and a second-place finish in the
past three rounds — has eroded the deficit considerably. Now 63
points back with six rounds — including three sprints — remaining,
it is still an undeniably tall order for the 67-time grand prix
winner. A recent floor upgrade to the RB21 has vaulted it back to
competitiveness, and by extension, the MCL39 is no longer looking
like the only formidable force at the sharp end of the grid.
However, Marko believes the four-time F1 drivers' champion bringing
home a fifth crown is contingent upon two main criteria. "I don't
think we can do it on our own," the 82-year-old told Kleine Zeitung
before touching upon the increasingly delicate situation at
McLaren. In the last round, the Singapore Grand Prix, Norris and
Piastri made contact on the opening lap. It was the catalyst of
significant tension within the team for the rest of the night at
the Marina Bay Street Circuit and took the edge off the papaya
outfit wrapping up the constructors' championship. "If the McLaren
drivers continue to disagree and there are further incidents, it's
not impossible," Marko mused. Although, according to the Austrian,
even if that does come to fruition, the RB21 must continue to
perform. In his eyes, that is the only way Verstappen can battle
the McLarens until the season finale in Abu Dhabi. "But then we
need our car to continue to be in such top condition," he added.
"As long as it's mathematically possible, we'll definitely fight."
