Marko makes outrageous 'fast' Hamilton v 'mediocre' Verstappen claim

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has remarkably backed Max Verstappen to beat Lewis Hamilton this season in a less competitive car.

Verstappen and Hamilton went wheel-to-wheel for the title in 2021, with the form ebbing and flowing between the pair throughout the campaign.

Hamilton has spent the last three seasons competing down the pecking order as Mercedes struggled for form under the current technical regulations.

The seven-time champion has made a sensational switch to Ferrari for the upcoming season, with the 40-year-old making his test debut with the team earlier this week at Fiorano.

Speaking to Bild, Marko asserted he is not concerned about the threat of Ferrari and Hamilton as the 2025 season approaches.

"Charles Leclerc is good at qualifying, but makes too many mistakes in the race,” Marko said. 

“Lewis Hamilton still has the speed, but also over a whole season? I doubt that. 

“Even if he has a fast Ferrari and we only build a mediocre Red Bull for Max Verstappen, I would still put my money on Max.”

Marko backs Verstappen to remain loyal to Red Bull

Verstappen has a contract in place until the end of the 2028 F1 season, which he penned three years ago.

However, the Dutchman has seen interest from rivals Mercedes, with team boss Toto Wolff publicly pursuing Verstappen last year.

Verstappen has also been linked with a move to Aston Martin ahead of the change in technical regulations for 2026, but Marko expressed confidence the 27-year-old will stay put. 

“We are confident that we can provide Max with a good car,” Marko stated.

“[Mercedes' interest] is nice and all, but Max has a contract until the end of 2028. 

“I know how loyal and grateful he is towards Red Bull. Therefore, he will also be a Red Bull driver in 2026, and a five-time world champion."