Helmut Marko Speaks on Max Verstappen’s Contentious Penalty at the Saudi Arabian GP
After an intense race at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the main topic of discussion was Max Verstappen’s penalty for overtaking Oscar Piastri off-track. The Dutch driver argued he was forced off the track and should have been given racing room by the polesitter. In the paddock, Motorsport.com caught up with Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko to discuss the latest developments involving Red Bull’s teams.
Max Verstappen’s Penalty: A Racing Incident?
When asked about his take on the penalty, Helmut Marko expressed his view that it was a racing incident. He pointed out that similar situations occurred several times in F2, and only Luke Browning received a warning, not five seconds. In the Saudi Arabian GP, the incident happened during the first lap, first corner. For Marko, it was simply a racing incident.
The team considered the option of giving back the place and fighting from there, but overtaking was nearly impossible. They found more chances with pitstops and coming in traffic, so they decided to stay out.
Did the Incident Cost Max the Race?
Marko admitted that the moment likely cost Verstappen the race. If he hadn’t been penalized, Verstappen might have won. However, Verstappen had the speed, and his tires performed well without any degradation.
Surprising Race Pace for Red Bull
The team was surprised but positively so by the race pace on both the medium and hard tires. This progress indicates that Red Bull is making progress compared to Bahrain, with the Jeddah circuit better suited to their RB21.
Upgrade Package for Red Bull
Regarding the upgrade package, Marko mentioned that there will be small steps, and by Imola, they should be in a position to beat the McLarens.
Max Verstappen’s Start and Yuki Tsunoda’s Incident
Marko was disappointed but not surprised by Verstappen’s start. He believed that the start didn’t work out well, but he made up for it during phase two when he braked later, resulting in being ahead. As for Yuki Tsunoda and his incident with Pierre Gasly, Marko considered it a racing incident.
Yuki Tsunoda’s Performance and Areas for Improvement
Despite the incident, Tsunoda had an encouraging weekend overall. In free practice, he was missing two or three tenths when the pressure wasn’t high. However, in qualifying, he overdrove a bit but is on his way to performing and bringing the points they needed. Marko believes that Tsunoda needs to improve in delivering under pressure during qualifying.
Red Bull’s Second Team and Future Races
Regarding Racing Bulls, their second team did well, but overtaking was impossible when both drivers were similar on the tires. Marko is optimistic about their performance in future races.
Hope for Miami and Future Challenges
Looking ahead to Miami, Marko remains hopeful, despite the race being quite hot. He believes that they can be competitive in Miami, especially since the race isn’t at lunchtime, allowing the sun to go down.
