Marko points to crucial factor as Verstappen on cusp of F1 title

Helmut Marko believes Max Verstappen's driving will be the reason why he wins the F1 championship, over Red Bull's car.

Verstappen can seal a fourth straight world title in Las Vegas if he finishes ahead of Lando Norris, or the McLaren driver fails to score three points with the gap 62 and 60 remaining after the weekend. 

Verstappen had won seven of the first 10 races, before an alarming slump in Red Bull's form meant he did not win any of the next 10, snapping the streak with a crushing performance to win the Sao Paulo GP from 17th on the grid. 

Reflecting on the season for the team, motorsport advisor Marko believes the 2024 title is firmly 'Verstappen's.'

"I'd gladly accept the extra hustle and bustle in Las Vegas for that," Marko told OE24 when asked about the possibility of Verstappen winning the title in Las Vegas.

"Things are actually not looking too bad for us: Our car was fast in the dry in Brazil, although Max was in a class of his own in the rain.

"If we win the title again this year, it will be mainly down to Max. With his exceptional driving skills, he has covered up the phases in which the car was really not good."

When pushed if the team had brought any special Verstappen t-shirts to Nevada, Marko hinted at Verstappen's manager, Raymond Vermeulen. 

"Knowing him, Verstappen's manager will definitely have them in his luggage," he said.