Max Verstappen helpless as Helmut Marko reveals 'huge' Red Bull disadvantage

Max Verstappen was completely helpless in his fight against McLaren in the Dutch Grand Prix, with Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko having revealed that he faced a "huge" pace deficit.

Verstappen started his home race in third but overtook Lando Norris for second on the opening lap, before falling back behind the Briton shortly after. 

Red Bull through everything it had at McLaren, and fitted Verstappen with the best tyres possible to attack the Woking-based team. 

Unfortunately, it was to no avail, due to Red Bull being a full second slower per lap, according to Marko. 

Fortunately for the four-time world champion, a late power unit failure for Norris promoted the Dutchman into second at Zandvoort.

"Surprising," Marko told Sky DE, addressing Verstappen claiming second "It came about in a fortunate way, but still. 

"The difference with McLaren in the race was huge. When they wanted to, they were driving away at a second a lap. That shows we still have a lot of work to do."

'Flawless' Hadjar

Despite another comfortable victory for McLaren, the podium was completed by two Red Bull family drivers. 

Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar joined Verstappen on the rostrum after finishing in an impressive third, following an excellent race where he started fourth on the grid. 

The French-Algerian rookie drove brilliantly, and held off the likes of George Russell and Charles Leclerc.

"Hadjar drove flawlessly under a lot of pressure," added Marko. "To get a podium at such a young age is very promising. He handles setbacks without any problem.

"For example, in third practice, I believe, the battery was broken. In the second one, a sensor didn't work properly, but he handles all that well.

"He stays positive, never looks for blame on the car, but when something happens he always says, 'Sorry, that was me.' So a very ambitious, honest, but also fast young man."