Helmut Marko says Red Bull can only think about F1 title fight if competitive in Singapore. Helmut Marko praised Max Verstappen’s dominant Baku weekend.

33 points for Red Bull in Baku

With seven races still to go in the 2025 Formula 1 season, plus three Sprint events, Max Verstappen has managed to reduce his gap to championship leader Oscar Piastri to 69 points. Thanks to Piastri’s retirement in Baku, Verstappen capitalized perfectly, scoring maximum points and effectively achieving a 25–0 against the Australian. If the Monza weekend is also factored in, where Red Bull had already shown progress, the swing becomes 50–15 in Verstappen’s favor compared to the McLaren driver.

On fast tracks, Red Bull’s RB21 has consistently proven to be competitive this year, so Verstappen’s strong showing in Baku did not come as a major surprise, especially after what unfolded in Monza two weeks earlier. However, the true test of whether Red Bull has fully recovered will come at the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix.

Marko cautious despite Verstappen’s dominance

Helmut Marko emphasized the need for caution when evaluating Red Bull’s title chances. He pointed out that Verstappen makes everything look deceptively easy, dominating the Baku weekend with apparent control, but he also stressed that the entire team performed strongly. The solid race by Yuki Tsunoda highlighted that the team as a whole delivered a convincing performance.

Speaking to Sky, Marko explained that he believes Red Bull can realistically target second place in the Constructors’ Championship. However, when it comes to the Drivers’ Championship, he set clear conditions: “Now we head to Singapore, the only race Verstappen has never won. If we are competitive there, then we can perhaps think about the championship. It will be an important benchmark because the higher temperatures usually favor McLaren. Nobody, after Silverstone, would have expected us to come back this strong.”

Singapore, the decisive test

Marko’s comments underline the importance of the upcoming night race at Marina Bay. While Red Bull’s straight-line speed advantage has helped on high-speed circuits, Singapore’s tight, twisty layout and extreme heat provide a very different challenge. It is also one of the rare venues that has eluded Verstappen throughout his career. A strong showing there would signal that the RB21 can fight consistently across all circuit types, reopening the title battle against Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

For now, Verstappen’s climb remains steep, with a 69-point deficit to overturn. But after dominant performances in both Monza and Baku, Red Bull has at least reignited hope of making the closing stages of the 2025 season far more competitive than expected just a few weeks ago.