Reigning Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has expressed skepticism regarding Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko’s confident prediction about his ability to close the gap in the ongoing title battle. Despite securing a sprint race victory in Belgium’s Spa, Verstappen still faces a significant points deficit that makes a fifth consecutive drivers’ championship triumph appear unlikely this season.
Before the Belgian GP, Marko suggested that the 69-point difference between Verstappen and championship leader Oscar Piastri was “not impossible” to overcome. However, Verstappen dismissed this optimism after the event, addressing media including GPFans, and stating,
“Helmut is not in the car,”
and further added,
“I understand that you have to be positive about it, but I am very realistic about what I feel in the car. When I look at certain onboards of other cars, I actually know enough,”
reflecting his more cautious view on the title race.
Technical Gaps Highlighted Amidst Wet Conditions and Race Challenges
Although Verstappen managed to outperform both Piastri and McLaren team-mate Lando Norris in the sprint race, he acknowledged that his RB21 vehicle is currently outperformed by McLaren’s machinery. The Dutch driver specifically pointed to McLaren’s progress in managing tyre degradation, which has become especially apparent under rainy conditions this year.
“Every time we have raced in the rain this year, we basically had no chance. Tomorrow will be no different,”
the 27-year-old said ahead of the main race at Spa, underlining the difficulties faced by Red Bull in wet weather. The rain also caused delays to the race day schedule, which contributed to Verstappen’s frustration.
Following the Sunday event, Verstappen finished in fourth place, and his points deficit to Piastri extended to 81 points, further dimming his hopes of reclaiming the championship this season. Despite this, Helmut Marko remains hopeful and continues to emphasize the mathematical possibility of a comeback.
Upcoming Hungarian GP Holds Potential to Define Championship Fate
With Formula 1 moving to the Hungaroring for the 14th round of the season, the stakes are high before the summer break. The Hungarian Grand Prix, set to take place under potentially wet conditions again, could critically impact Verstappen’s diminishing title chances. Given his own statements doubting a successful comeback, the result in Budapest is likely to be decisive in shaping the remainder of this championship battle.
As Verstappen appears to have mentally ruled out winning the title, the focus shifts to how Red Bull will respond to this setback and prepare for the final stages of the season after the summer shutdown.