Helmut Marko confirmed that Max Verstappen’s brake failure was related to the Albert Park circuit. Consequently, the octogenarian expressed confidence in Verstappen’s ability to recover in Suzuka.
Verstappen is undeniably the favorite for the 2024 F1 World Championship. The 26-year-old driver entered the competition with victories in the first two stages. However, a brake failure forced the Dutch driver to retire from the lead position. Now, the Red Bull Motorsport Consultant predicts that Verstappen will triumph in the next race in Japan.
The octogenarian stated that Verstappen’s brake issues were related to the Albert Park circuit. It is unlikely that the Dutch driver will encounter a similar problem in Suzuka during the next race. Consequently, Marko anticipates another dominant victory for Verstappen in the fourth stage of the season.
Helmut Marko acknowledged that the retirement at the Australian GP was just part of the race. The Red Bull consultant emphasized that many spectators find it monotonous when Milton Keynes wins races. Therefore, the Austrian team delivered what these spectators desired. However, Marko clarified that it was not intentional.
Max Verstappen had a promising start in the race, holding onto the lead at Turn 1. However, the Dutch driver soon lost his position to the Ferrari driver, resulting in his retirement from the race. The Red Bull driver stated that even without issues, Verstappen would not have emerged as the winner. Helmut Marko now refutes these comments made by the Mexican driver.
The Austrian revealed that he had a conversation with Verstappen after the race. Marko highlighted that, despite brake problems, the Dutch driver kept up with Sainz before retiring. Consequently, Marko believes that if Verstappen had not faced mechanical failures, he would have secured another victory in the race.
Undoubtedly, Max Verstappen and Red Bull are eager to bounce back in the next race in Suzuka. Despite Ferrari’s progress, the current world champions still have the fastest car on the track. Therefore, it will be intriguing to see if Verstappen can reclaim the top spot on the podium at the Japanese GP.
