Max Verstappen handed brutal assessment: 'The championship is over'

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has insisted that "the championship is over" for Max Verstappen, following the Dutchman's retirement from the Austrian Grand Prix. 

Following an initial good launch from seventh, the reigning world champion was taken out at Turn 3 by Kimi Antonelli, sending both drivers immediately out of the race. 

Antonelli quickly apologised to Verstappen and was handed a three-place grid penalty for Silverstone after the race; however, the damage was already done. 

Had it not been for the incident with the Mercedes driver on the opening lap, Marko revealed that Red Bull's data showed that a podium was on the cards, although McLaren was out of reach.

The advisor was highly critical of Antonelli following the Austrian outfit's home race, which turned into a complete disaster with Yuki Tsunoda having finished in 16th.

"Max had a good start and then went outside before Turn 3 to avoid trouble," Marko told Sky DE. "Kimi came out of nowhere and completely rammed us off with [locked] wheels. 

"The analysis shows that we could have competed for the podium. Mercedes was not fast and the Ferraris were not really overwhelming either. McLaren was out of reach. 

"You didn't see them again, but as I said, a podium finish would have been possible. At a start you can take risks and you have to be prepared for someone behind you to do something stupid."

Verstappen's retirement was his first since the 2024 Australian Grand Prix and was made significantly worse by Lando Norris leading another McLaren one-two. 

As a result, the four-time world champion has fallen to 61 points adrift of Oscar Piastri in the championship, convincing Marko that the search for a fifth consecutive crown is dead.

"This is a black day," conceded the 82-year-old. "The gap is almost impossible to make up. If nothing special happens, we have to assume that the championship is over."