Formula 1 News: Dr. Helmut Marko explains why Verstappen destroys all his teammates
Dr. Helmut Marko (pictured), Motorsport Advisor, Red Bull GmbH, was interviewed on Formula 1’s Beyond the Grid podcast. We summarize the highlights, and most importantly, Marko explains that it is Verstappen’s skill that enables him to destroy all his Red Bull teammates, not the car design.
–by Mark Cipolloni–
1. 2025 Season Assessment
Despite a difficult mid-season period where McLaren pulled far ahead, the team has fought back respectably in the second half of the year. Max Verstappen’s consistency (three wins and seven podiums in the last nine races) reduced a deficit that once exceeded 100 points to the current 49-point gap with three races remaining. Mathematically, the drivers’ title is still possible, but realistically, extremely difficult. The main target now is to secure third place in the constructors’ championship (currently 32 points behind Mercedes).
2. Car Performance & Development
The RB21 has shown clear progress since the Austin upgrade package. Balance issues that plagued us earlier have been largely resolved. Las Vegas’s low-downforce layout should suit our concept better than the last two street circuits. If we repeat the Brazil performance level, a victory is realistic. Tire degradation and cold-temperature behavior remain the biggest unknowns.
3. Max Verstappen – Performance Level & Comparison to Teammates
Max is driving at an exceptionally high level—arguably his best-ever season in terms of pure performance extraction and race management. His ability to score heavy points even when the car was not the fastest is remarkable. Brazil-level pace would make victory realistic here. Cold temperatures and tire behavior are the major variables.
Why no teammate has ever consistently challenged him:
The difference is visible in the telemetry data. Max possesses an extraordinary feel for the car and almost superhuman control. He brakes later, applies throttle earlier and more precisely, manages traction and tire temperatures better, and maintains that level of precision over an entire race distance in all conditions. Other drivers can occasionally match him on a single lap or in perfect conditions, but none can sustain it weekend after weekend, year after year. Even when the car is difficult, Max extracts two or three tenths more than the data suggests is possible. His teammates need a much sweeter, more forgiving balance to approach his times; Max adapts instantly and drives around problems that destroy the confidence of others. In short, he operates on a different level – a once-in-a-generation talent. This also explains why the second Red Bull seat remains the most difficult cockpit on the grid.
4. Yuki Tsunoda Situation
Yuki has underperformed for a sustained period. The gap to Max is no longer acceptable for a top team. A final decision on his future will be taken after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. We are evaluating all options for 2026, including Liam Lawson, Isack Hadjar and Yuki Tsunoda, but also external candidates. Stability and performance consistency are the decisive criteria.
5. Driver Program & Junior Strategy
The Red Bull Junior Program remains the toughest and most successful talent factory in motorsport. We promote only when a driver dominates his category (Arvid Lindblad and Isack Hadjar are the current stand-outs). No driver will be placed in the main team unless he is ready to deliver immediate results.
6. 2026 Regulations
We are fully focused on the new power-unit project. The cooperation with Ford is progressing according to plan. Early dyno results are encouraging. The chassis department has already shifted significant resources to 2026. We expect to be competitive from the first race under the new rules.
7. General Comments on Current F1
The present ground-effect cars are too heavy, too stiff and offer too little mechanical grip – driving pleasure is minimal. Almost all drivers agree. The 2026 reset cannot come soon enough.
Conclusion
The 2025 season will not deliver the titles, but the fightback in the final third of the year has been honorable and provides momentum into winter development. All efforts are now directed towards a strong end to the year and a winning return in 2026.