Helmut Marko reveals Max Verstappen fear after 'dangerous' accident

Former Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has opened up on his reaction to Max Verstappen's alarming crash at the Dutch Grand Prix, admitting he was startled as the four-time world champion's RB22 snapped sideways at Zandvoort.

Verstappen lost control of the car at the final corner on the opening lap of what was likely his last home race, leaving it stranded sideways on the circuit and briefly exposing him to oncoming traffic. 

The incident had the potential to cause a major accident, though fortunately the rest of the field had enough space to avoid a collision.

Speaking to oe24, Marko reflected on the moment. "I was definitely startled when the car was sideways," he said. 

"Fortunately, there was some distance to the rest of the field, and fortunately, Liam Lawson reacted very well. If someone drives into a car that's sitting sideways, it can get really dangerous."

Lawson, who stood in for Isack Hadjar in Zandvoort, was among those who had to react quickly to avoid the stricken Dutchman. 

His swift response in the cockpit helped prevent what could have been a far more serious situation at the high-speed Dutch circuit.

Marko was quick to assess Verstappen's condition in the immediate aftermath. "I could tell right away from the movement of his head that Max was stable," he said. 

"Then came all his comments: 'I'm okay' and 'Sorry!'" Those words from the cockpit brought the relief Marko was looking for.