Max Verstappen took a significant step toward securing his fourth consecutive World Championship after a remarkable performance at the Interlagos Grand Prix. The Dutch driver ended a 10-race winless streak with this victory, marking his first win since the Spanish Grand Prix in June. This triumph dashed Lando Norris’ hopes of clinching the title, as he finished sixth despite starting from pole position. Verstappen now leads Norris by 62 points, and with a strong showing in Las Vegas, he could seal his championship win.
Meanwhile, Lando Norris has struggled to make the most of a faster car, with his lack of experience contributing to multiple errors on the track. However, apart from Norris’s mistakes, Helmut Marko feels Verstappen’s exceptional driving skills are the reason behind his success.
Red Bull’s World Title Dream Hinges On Max Verstappen
Helmut Marko expressed optimism heading into the Las Vegas Grand Prix, particularly with Max Verstappen’s chances of securing his fourth World Championship. If Verstappen can maintain a points lead of 60 or more over Lando Norris by the end of the weekend, he will be crowned champion. Speaking to OE24, Marko noted that despite some challenges, Red Bull’s car was competitive in both dry and wet conditions, with Verstappen shining in the rain during the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Marko emphasized that while winning the Las Vegas Grand Prix would be ideal, the focus remains on securing the championship with Verstappen. He acknowledged that if Red Bull were to win the title again this year, much of the credit would go to Verstappen’s exceptional driving, which has helped cover up the team’s car shortcomings at times.
Despite recent struggles, including losing ground to McLaren and Ferrari, Red Bull remains in contention. With Sergio Perez struggling to score points, the team has dropped to third place, but they are still within reach of the championship. Marko pointed out that with three races and one sprint remaining, there is still hope to close the 49-point gap and finish the season strong.
Helmut Marko Is Not A Fan Of Las Vegas Track
Helmut Marko shared his thoughts on the Las Vegas Grand Prix, expressing mixed feelings about the event. While he acknowledged that the race itself had been exciting, he felt the overall experience didn’t live up to the high expectations set for it. Marko highlighted the city’s chaotic nature, with the iconic sight of slot machines in hotel lobbies and the night race adding to the spectacle. However, he noted that the event lacked strong local support, with much of the city cordoned off, making it difficult to get around. Attendees had to endure long detours, which took away from the overall enjoyment of the event. Additionally, Marko pointed out the challenges posed by poor flight connections, which meant teams had to arrive a day earlier than usual to prepare.