Helmut Marko has no doubts: without rain, Max Verstappen will not be able to finish on the podium in the Sprint race of the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Helmut Marko, known for his blunt assessments, has stated that Verstappen has no real chance of securing a podium in Brazil unless the weather intervenes. He believes that rain could offer his driver a slight advantage, as the Saturday forecasts are not looking ideal.
Although Max Verstappen’s Red Bull was the fastest in the first sector, he struggled through the second sector, which is more technical, losing the opportunity to stay close to the two McLaren drivers. The timing sheets show that in both the first and third sectors, the four-time world champion’s car was not far off Lando Norris‘s best times. What Max Verstappen’s car lacked was proper balance in the second sector, which ultimately cost him the chance to match the pace of the McLarens.
“If we consider the first and third sectors, we are only a few thousandths off Norris,” Helmut Marko explained to Sky Sports.
“In the central sector, which has more corners, we practically have no grip. This means we lack sufficient downforce, and we cannot improve for the Sprint race. Hopefully, with all the data collected, the car can perform better for Sunday’s race.”
According to Helmut Marko, the only realistic chance for Max Verstappen to target a podium is if it rains – the same weather factor that played a decisive role in last year’s Brazilian GP. In 2024, the Dutch driver, after a disappointing qualifying session starting P17, managed to deliver one of the most remarkable performances in recent years, winning the Grand Prix and eventually the drivers’ championship.
“There will be hope for Max; he will need to make the difference himself,” Helmut Marko added.
When asked if Verstappen could realistically aim for a podium, Helmut Marko concluded: “It has to rain; otherwise, there is no chance.”
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