Red Bull disclose twin doubts over Max Verstappen F1 title hopes

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has cited two reasons he doubts Max Verstappen can clinch a fifth-consecutive F1 drivers' championship this F1 season.

The Dutchman has remarkably dragged himself back into contention for the title against the dominant McLarens of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

At one stage, Verstappen was 104 points adrift of the Australian, but his strong recent form — which has seen him take two victories and a second-place finish in the past three rounds — has eroded the deficit considerably.

Now 63 points back with six rounds — including three sprints — remaining, it is still an undeniably tall order for the 67-time grand prix winner.

A recent floor upgrade to the RB21 has vaulted it back to competitiveness, and by extension, the MCL39 is no longer looking like the only formidable force at the sharp end of the grid.

However, Marko believes the four-time F1 drivers' champion bringing home a fifth crown is contingent upon two main criteria.

"I don't think we can do it on our own," the 82-year-old told Kleine Zeitung before touching upon the increasingly delicate situation at McLaren.

In the last round, the Singapore Grand Prix, Norris and Piastri made contact on the opening lap. It was the catalyst of significant tension within the team for the rest of the night at the Marina Bay Street Circuit and took the edge off the papaya outfit wrapping up the constructors' championship.

"If the McLaren drivers continue to disagree and there are further incidents, it's not impossible," Marko mused.

Although, according to the Austrian, even if that does come to fruition, the RB21 must continue to perform. In his eyes, that is the only way Verstappen can battle the McLarens until the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

"But then we need our car to continue to be in such top condition," he added. "As long as it's mathematically possible, we'll definitely fight."