Red Bull’s Helmut Marko Slams McLaren’s Bluff in Saudi Arabian GP Qualifying
Red Bull’s senior advisor, Helmut Marko, didn’t hold back when commenting on McLaren’s performance during the qualifying session for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Despite Max Verstappen securing a surprising pole position, Marko suggested that McLaren might have been deceiving their true pace during practice sessions.
McLaren, a dominant force in the F1 2025 season, raised eyebrows during the final practice session before qualifying, where they appeared exceptionally quick, leaving their rivals trailing behind. However, it was Verstappen who claimed pole position by the slimmest of margins over McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.
Marko accused McLaren of bluffing by running with very little fuel during practice, which may have misled their competitors. He highlighted Red Bull’s strategic car adjustments and Verstappen’s exceptional driving skills as key factors in securing pole position.
During a press conference, Verstappen revealed that their decision to run two laps with a pit stop in between was a calculated strategy that ultimately paid off. With the pole position in hand, Red Bull remains optimistic about their chances in the race, especially considering the advantage of starting at the front and having clear air ahead.
As the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Red Bull can capitalize on their pole position and fend off the competition. The stakes are high, and the race promises to deliver an intense battle for supremacy on the track.