Helmut Marko fully supports Max Verstappen’s explosive outburst at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Verstappen didn’t hold back in expressing his frustration.
Max Verstappen’s radio was lit with anger during the Budapest Grand Prix, taking aim at almost everyone. Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, understands his fierce protege all too well. Marko commented, “If you know him and the Verstappens, then yes, but not necessarily on the radio.”
The race strategy faltered significantly, leading to Verstappen’s frustration. Marko admitted, “It was our fault,” acknowledging a serious miscalculation. The plan to stay out longer, believing tire quality would be crucial, backfired. Marko explained, “We thought we would be faster than Hamilton and Leclerc with the extra speed we had, but we just couldn’t overtake. That showed that our strategy was completely wrong.”
The race saw a dramatic turn when Verstappen collided with Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen’s car was thrown into the air, a moment Marko described, “Max started an overtaking maneuver, but the car was not ‘out of control.’ If Hamilton had not thrown him into the air with his front wheel, he would have had everything under control.” Despite the clash, Verstappen managed to finish fifth.
Verstappen’s disappointment was palpable. Marko noted, “He expected more from the update.” Verstappen believed the outcome could have been different if he had secured pole position in qualifying. The gap to McLaren was painfully evident, with Marko admitting, “We are behind McLaren, but relatively close.”
The tension within the team reflected Verstappen’s frustration. Marko continued, “Max is not used to it, we are not used to it either, to fight really hard, to have opponents.” The competition, while challenging, is seen as better for spectators and journalists. Marko reassured, “We are leading in both championships, there are eleven races to go, that’s a lot, but it’s not as if everything is lost.”
As Verstappen prepares for the next race at Spa, he remains visibly frustrated. He stated, “We have to work. It’s not like we can suddenly have new upgrades on the car next weekend, so yes, it’s a problem.” With a lead of 76 points over Lando Norris, Verstappen knows the battle is far from over.
Though he faced no penalties for the collision with Hamilton, the incident likely cost Verstappen a podium finish. Verstappen’s radio outburst drew criticism, but he defended his actions, saying, “I don’t think we need to apologize. We just need to do a better job. It’s a sport, you know? If some people don’t like it, they should stay at home…”
Verstappen’s outburst in Hungary highlights the pressure and passion in F1 racing. As he heads to Spa, all eyes will be on whether Red Bull can meet his demands and improve their strategy.
