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Helmut Marko admits Max Verstappen’s dominant qualifying streak might end at Miami GP

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Aaryaman Roy Moulik | Last updated 4/25/24

The 2024 Formula 1 season has seen three-time World Champion, Max Verstappen continue his dominant streak. The Dutchman has won four out of the five races this season, and were it not for his mechanical problems in Australia, he’d probably have had a clean sweep.

Max Verstappen has also recently become the first F1 driver to take five poles in the first five races of a season and seems to be on an immensely hot streak of form on Saturdays. But, Red Bull advisor, Helmut Marko believes that his driver’s hot streak on Saturdays may come to an end in the upcoming event in Miami.

Max Verstappen has been extremely rapid in his RB20 this year.

Racetracks where the opponents could get a little closer to us are Miami or Monaco, especially since the competition has gotten closer, especially in the qualifying trim. I can imagine that it won't be easy to be in pole position there. Helmut Marko during an interveiw with Mirror

The 80-year-old reveals how different track surfaces affect the RB20 and how this may be a factor that hampers Verstappen’s qualifying performance. Only time will tell how the three-time World Champion’s Saturday will pan out during Miami GP weekend.

Helmut Marko reveals Red Bull has faced tire wear issues this year

In the first five rounds of the ongoing campaign, Red Bull’s 2024 title contender the RB20 seems to be the best car by far. The car has no weaknesses and has performed extremely well in all the different types of tracks the various teams have raced at this year.

The only blip for the RB20 was the Australian GP weekend where Max Verstappen had to retire due to mechanical issues and Sergio Perez didn’t seem to be up to pace with the Ferraris and McLarens. Following this, Helmut Marko has revealed that different track surfaces cause tire wear issues to the dominant RB20.

We have to point out that the tire wear in Melbourne was unusually high for Red Bull conditions. When it comes to [Sergio] Perez's car, we don't know exactly whether the damage to his car contributed to this. But the findings from the long runs also indicate that there is too much wear. Helmut Marko during the same interview

The Austrian added how the varying track surfaces affect the RB20’s tires very quickly, and how his team needs to look into and fix. As of now, the RB20 seems to be perfect but the analysis of Marko is something that fans will definitely find intriguing.

Moreover, there are still 19 rounds remaining on the calendar and it will be in Red Bull’s best interest to resolve its tire wear issues as soon as possible. Ferrari is on the hunt and thus, Horner and Co. really can’t afford any slip-ups.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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