Helmut Marko, never one to shy away from controversy, has reignited the rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen with a bold claim: even with a stronger Ferrari in 2025, Hamilton wouldn’t stand a chance against the reigning champion. Speaking to Sport Bild, the Red Bull consultant emphatically declared Verstappen as Formula 1’s ultimate driver, not just in speed but in his complete package as a racer.
“Nobody Can Match Verstappen,” Says Marko
Marko lauded Verstappen’s unmatched ability to extract performance from his car, citing the Dutchman’s uncanny knack for finding 0.1 to 0.2 seconds per lap that other drivers simply cannot replicate.
“Max is not only the fastest,” Marko asserted, “but in terms of the overall package, he is the best in Formula 1.”
The Austrian went even further, claiming that McLaren’s rising star Lando Norris and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton wouldn’t be able to topple Verstappen even if given equal machinery.
Doubts Over Hamilton’s Longevity
While acknowledging Hamilton’s raw speed, Marko cast doubt on his consistency over a grueling F1 season, particularly in a new Ferrari environment.
“Hamilton still has the speed, but over a whole season? I have doubts about that,” Marko remarked. “Even if Ferrari gives him a great car and we build Max a mediocre Red Bull, I’d still bet on Max.”
Marko also issued a veiled warning to Hamilton about the psychological toll of unmet expectations: “Hamilton must be careful not to fall into a negative spiral, as he did at Mercedes, if his partnership with Ferrari fails to meet his lofty standards.”
Red Bull’s Own Challenges
Despite his confidence in Verstappen’s abilities, Marko admitted Red Bull cannot afford complacency. The team’s dominance waned in the second half of 2024, with Verstappen winning only two of the last 12 races. Meanwhile, McLaren clinched the Constructors’ Championship, highlighting the need for Red Bull to develop a more competitive car in 2025.
“The new Red Bull must be better than the RB20 of last year,” Marko said. “If that doesn’t happen, even Max won’t be able to compensate for the car’s weaknesses.”
Whispers of Verstappen’s Future
With Verstappen contracted to Red Bull until 2028, rumors of a potential move have already begun circulating. Last year, Mercedes was touted as a possible destination, and now Aston Martin is reportedly ready to offer an astronomical deal to lure the Dutchman.
While Marko expressed confidence in retaining Verstappen, his father, Jos Verstappen, left the door open for a potential exit: “Max’s goal is to win races. If he feels that’s no longer possible at Red Bull, a change isn’t out of the question.”
Marko’s Final Word
Marko concluded with optimism, banking on Red Bull’s ability to provide Verstappen with the tools to dominate: “I am confident that Red Bull will succeed in giving Max a competitive car in 2025. That’s why he will remain with us in 2026—as a five-time world champion!”
