Helmut Marko delivers worrying Max Verstappen assessment to rivals

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko believes Max Verstappen's development as a driver is still ongoing, with no end to his progress in sight.

Verstappen has enjoyed a highly successful period in the sport across the last number of years, winning four consecutive titles from 2021 to 2024.

In that time, he has moved himself into third place on the all-time win list and placed himself in discussions amongst the greatest drivers in F1 history.

Despite Red Bull slipping back in the pecking order this year, Verstappen has sealed two victories so far - including an impressive triumph at Imola, which was aided by an eye-catching overtake on Oscar Piastri on the opening lap.

Marko pointed to the stunning move as an indication that the 27-year-old is still improving his skillset amid his 11th season on the grid.

“He definitely is the best driver we have ever had,” Marko told BBC’s The Inside Track.

“He’s developing, developing [all the time] and in Imola, his third corner overtake was unbelievable.

“I don't see the end of his progress yet. He always comes with something extra.

“Last year the race in Brazil in the wet, from 17th to first - he’s getting faster with less risk and more calm.

“He does not have to push every lap, he is really relaxed, but he's not pushing, or it doesn’t look like he's on the limit.

“But when it matters, he delivers.”

Pinpointing one of Verstappen's key strengths over the competition, Marko highlighted the Dutchman's ability to get up to speed at a track faster than any other driver.

“He's still developing - but one thing already in the beginning, he doesn't need any warm-up or knowledge.

 “If it's wet, he goes out and he's two or three seconds ahead of the others, and then it takes them three or four laps, and they can match Max's time.

“That is one of his really [big] strengths. After we lost the race in Singapore [in 2023], we went to Suzuka, and his first lap, I can't remember how much he was in front, but it was immense.”