Where Marko thinks Verstappen can make the difference against Hamilton

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko reckons Max Verstappen's performances at street tracks in 2021 will stand him in good stead at next weekend's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Saudi Arabia is preparing to host Formula 1 for the first time at the all-new, high-speed Jeddah Corniche Circuit , with Verstappen arriving eight points clear of title rival Lewis Hamilton in the championship standings. Verstappen claimed victory in Monaco earlier this season and was also set to win in Baku before suffering a dramatic tyre failure in the closing stages, leaving Marko optimistic about Red Bull's chances.

Marko believes in Verstappen

According to Marko, the driver will make the difference around the 6.174km, 27-turn circuit. "We believe in Verstappen's qualities on street circuits," the Austrian former racer is quoted as saying by F1-Insider . "He won in Monaco and dominated in Baku before his unfortunate blowout. In Saudi Arabia, the driver will once again be able to make the difference." Marko also believes that Hamilton's so-called "spicy engine", which Mercedes plan to fit to his car again in Saudi Arabia , won't have as much power as it displayed at the Brazilian GP.