Helmut Marko Says No Teammate Could Beat Verstappen Right Now So P2 Is ‘Like A Win’

Posted on August 3, 2023 | by Charley Williams What does it say about the state of Formula 1 when finishing second behind Max Verstappen in a race should be considered an achievement? According to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, there aren’t many drivers on the grid who would be able to produce such an impressive display ???? Max took home an eighth consecutive win at the Belgian GP, his 10th from the 12 races we’ve had so far in 2023. He currently sits an incredible 125 points ahead of his teammate, Sergio Perez, in the championship standings. Perez has had a rollercoaster of a season, but his lack of form over the last few weeks has had many fearing that his seat at Red Bull could be under threat. But Marko was actually impressed with his performance in Spa – despite him finishing 22 seconds behind Verstappen. On the F1 Nation podcast, he said: “Being second behind Max is like a win. There won’t be any other driver who could stay with him on one level. “Maybe Alonso and Hamilton would be nearer, but nobody could beat him at the moment. “I know how good Max is, and that has to be considered. He’s nursing the tyres, and he’s still going fast. He can read the race, and he’s so far ahead with what he’s doing he’s already past. It’s unbelievable capacity in his head.” Although this may be true regarding the current grid, what if everyone were in the same cars? Speaking to Canal+, Hamilton insisted that F1 would be in a much different state of play if he were in a car as quick as Red Bulls. He said: “Do I want to be as fast as them? Of course. Would I like to have a car that’s as fast as them? Of course. “If I was in Sergio’s car, Max would not be having the same [good] time he’s having now.” Fighting talk. We like it. Would Hamilton beat Verstappen in equal machinery?