Max Verstappen ally delivers brutal F1 title verdict

One of Max Verstappen's staunchest allies has dismissed the possibility of the four-time F1 champion adding a fifth title this year.

Verstappen opened the new era of F1 with a fine drive to sixth in the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday after qualifying 20th following a crash in the first part of qualifying when he had yet to set a time.

Nevertheless, the Red Bull driver was again far from happy with the RB22, and the energy management required during qualifying and the race, given the 50-50 split now in power between combustion and electrical energy.

This weekend's Chinese Grand Prix presents a different proposition for the drivers that may better suit Verstappen, given how energy-starved Melbourne's Albert Park proved to be.

Despite that, former Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has offered a brutal assessment of Verstappen's championship hopes.

Speaking to Austrian newspaper Krone, and assessing what Verstappen is capable of this year, Marko said: "A separate energy management program has to be developed for each track.

"Even in Shanghai, the track layout is completely different, where it's easier to recharge energy because there are more braking zones.

"Perhaps that will help Max rediscover his enjoyment of the sport. But I don't see him in contention for the world championship title this year."

F1 reputation falling

After watching the race in Melbourne from relative comfort and on television, rather than trackside, Marko was far from impressed with what he saw in general.

"The first few laps were quite entertaining, but a lot still needs to happen for Formula 1 to live up to its reputation again," added Marko.

"Many of the manoeuvres weren't real overtaking, but rather someone with a full battery passing someone with a dead battery."

And despite their friendship, Marko also felt it prudent to leave Verstappen alone rather than contact him post-race, despite his climb of 14 places during the grand prix.

"I saw his face when he got out of the cockpit," remarked Marko. "That's when I knew it was best not to talk to him. His radio messages reflected that."