Marko mocks Verstappen penalty - "is more exciting for you"

Helmut Marko has mocked the Formula 1 grid penalty Max Verstappen has received at the Italian Grand Prix.

Despite taking new components just two races ago in Belgium, Red Bull have opted for yet another Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) for strategic reasons.

He will be joined in the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz Jr in copping a grid drop, although the #1 will only be falling five places as opposed to the back of the grid penalties coming the way of the #44 and #55.

Speaking post FP2, Red Bull advisor Marko was in a jocular mood about the prospects of Verstappen's impending drop.

"More exciting for you" - Marko

"You don't want to change [engines] at Suzuka or at Austin," Marko explained to ORF.

"Since overtaking is easier here, and we are in top form, it is more exciting for you journalists if we don't start at the very front!"

Verstappen has won the last four races in succession from France to the Netherlands and enjoys a 109 point championship lead with seven races remaining in the 2022 season.

Marko also explained that Perez damaged his engine during his qualifying spin at Zandvoort last weekend, hence the Mexican's own penalty.

Red Bull finished FP2 in second (Verstappen) and sixth (Perez) but the day was hampered by DRS problems for the latter, especially in FP1.

However, Marko seemed non-plussed by the issue.

"It is always different wings and this problem comes up with the different types of wings," he said.

"We are sure we will get it under control."

"It is always different wings and this problem comes up with the different types of wings. We are sure we will get it under control ."