Helmut Marko delivers striking Max Verstappen prediction

Former Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has weighed in on Max Verstappen's prospects for the second half of the F1 season.

The Dutchman has endured a challenging campaign compared to recent seasons and has failed to win a grand prix in the opening 11 rounds.

Red Bull has largely been off the pace and unable to consistently compete at the front, however its three most direct rivals, Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren, have all taken to the top step of the podium.

Last year, Red Bull was in a disappointing stretch midway through the season before a significant development push brought Verstappen back into championship contention.

However, Marko does not believe a repeat of the situation will be possible this time around.

“They aren’t consistently fast. Moreover, things don’t seem to be going entirely smoothly between Max and the engineers,” Marko told Krone.

“The competition from McLaren and Ferrari is too strong, and the car is too unstable. I certainly wouldn’t bet on that.”

Verstappen has still managed to take five podiums in the first half of the season, but speculation over his F1 future has not yet ceased.

Despite having a contract in place until the end of 2028, Verstappen has long been linked with an early departure from the Milton Keynes-based squad.

Having worked alongside Verstappen for many years, Marko is keen to see the four-time champion continue at Red Bull, adding: "I sincerely hope he stays.”