Helmut Marko shares key reason for Max Verstappen and Red Bull optimism

Helmut Marko has voiced his confidence in Max Verstappen and Red Bull, despite their torrid start to the F1 season.

The Dutchman had to fight his way through the field in the campaign curtain raiser, reaching sixth from P20 on the grid after a sudden crash during Q1, consigning him to an early qualifying exit.

Things did not improve as the paddock reached the Shanghai International Circuit. In fact, they got significantly worse.

The RB22 proved troublesome, and neither the four-time F1 drivers' champion nor new team-mate Isack Hadjar could get on top of the issues.

Having been fighting McLaren for third-best in Melbourne, the Milton Keynes-based squad quickly found itself in a battle with the Haas of Oliver Bearman and the Alpine of Pierre Gasly — and losing.

Although Hadjar reached the chequered flag at the Chinese Grand Prix, scoring four points for his eighth-place result, Verstappen was forced into retirement for a coolant leak.

Despite the miserable start to the year, which has left Red Bull fifth in the constructors' standings, Marko has backed the team, and Verstappen, to turn things around.

"Red Bull is known for being able to catch up quickly and effectively," the 82-year-old told OE24. "So, anything is still possible."

The Austrian explained how the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix being called off works in the energy drinks outfit's favour, even if Hadjar may not agree.

"The good thing is that the two April races have been cancelled, which gives them even more time," Marko added.

The French driver and his old mentor did see eye-to-eye on one benefit, however: that it does not merely mean two fewer opportunities to score points.

When asked a question to that effect, Marko said: "If you don't have a car that scores points at the front, that's not a disadvantage."