Marko makes Red Bull sacrifice clear in Verstappen title quest

Helmut Marko has indicated that Red Bull is prepared to sacrifice the constructors' championship if it means Max Verstappen can win the drivers' crown. 

Red Bull's chances of retaining both titles are at risk following an alarming drop in form over recent races, with championship leader Verstappen branding the car "undriveable" and a "monster" after the recent Italian Grand Prix in which he finished sixth. 

Fortunately for Verstappen, the three-time F1 champion only lost eight points to nearest rival Lando Norris, who trimmed his points lead to 62 despite starting on pole and only finishing third with the fastest lap. 

McLaren's MCL38 is the fastest car on the grid as Red Bull tries to understand the severe balance issues affecting the RB20. Should Verstappen miss out on a fourth consecutive title, the defeat would represent the biggest points deficit overturned to win an F1 drivers' crown. 

In the constructors', Red Bull has an eight-point lead over McLaren, and given Sergio Perez's lack of form, Marko feels Red Bull's focus must be on winning the drivers' championship with Verstappen.

"Despite our underperformance, Max is still 62 points ahead [of Norris in the drivers' championship]," Marko told OE24. 

"But that lead could quickly shrink if we continue like this.

"If we don't give [Verstappen] a controllable car, and have a few more performances like [the Italian Grand Prix weekend], then anything is possible [and he could lose the championship]."

As to whether the constructors' championship could be salvaged despite Perez's poor form, Marko pulled no punches.

"Checo is not bad, he is just slower [than Max]," said Marko, before making clear where Red Bull's focus now lies.

"Of course, the priority is for Max to win the drivers' championship [rather than the team, the constructors']."