Red Bull Racing Advisor Slams “Harsh” Penalty on Verstappen: “Unfair Decision!”
In a shocking turn of events at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, has expressed his strong disagreement with the stewards’ decision to penalize Max Verstappen. Marko argued that the five-second penalty imposed on Verstappen for overtaking Oscar Piastri off-track was unjust, questioning, “Where was Max supposed to go?”
Marko went on to criticize the inconsistency in stewarding, citing similar incidents in Formula 2 races where drivers only received warnings instead of penalties. He adamantly defended Verstappen, labeling the penalty as “harsh” and emphasizing that it was merely a racing incident.
Despite the setback, Marko remained confident in Red Bull’s performance, stating that Verstappen would have “absolutely” won the race if not for the penalty. He highlighted Verstappen’s exceptional skills, noting the significant gap he had created early in the race and the team’s ability to manage tire wear effectively.
Looking ahead, Marko expressed optimism about Red Bull’s future prospects, emphasizing the team’s speed and tire management capabilities. He remained unfazed by Verstappen’s 12-point gap to championship leader Piastri, drawing parallels to past seasons where significant point differentials were overcome to secure the title.
Marko also touched upon the team dynamics between Piastri and Lando Norris, suggesting that their rivalry could work in Red Bull’s favor by splitting points between them. He viewed their competitive spirit as a strategic advantage for the team moving forward.
As Red Bull continues to navigate the challenges of the Formula 1 season, Marko’s fiery defense of Verstappen and the team’s performance sets the stage for an intense battle for the championship title. Stay tuned for more updates on this gripping saga in the world of motorsport.