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Max Verstappen produced a spectacular comeback in Brazil, fighting his way from a pit lane start to a podium finish. Red Bull was understandably proud of the Dutchman’s performance, yet Helmut Marko believes the team still has major areas to improve.
Verstappen arrived at Interlagos in good spirits but quickly discovered serious issues with his RB20. He could do no better than sixteenth in qualifying, a result that significantly dented his already slim title hopes.
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In response, Red Bull opted to make major changes, fitting a new engine and adjusting the setup. Because these modifications broke parc fermé regulations, Verstappen had to start from the pit lane. After an early pit stop for a slow puncture, he charged through the field, overtook George Russell for third, and came within touching distance of Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
What Went Wrong?
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko was full of praise for Verstappen’s drive but admitted the team’s technical weaknesses remain worrying. Speaking to Sky Sports Germany, he said: “We have to widen our operating window. Even small things, like a four-degree temperature
change, can send everything in the wrong direction. The same goes for ride height and how all those factors interact.”
“We Need to Straighten Things Out”
Marko sees plenty of room for improvement in the final stretch of the season. “The difference between our simulator data and reality is simply too big,” he explained. “It’s shocking how far apart those figures can be. I hope we can still straighten things out over the last three races.”
The Season Finale
The Formula 1 season continues in two weeks with the Las Vegas Grand Prix. After that, the grid travels to Qatar, which will also feature a sprint race, before the championship concludes at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit.
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