Helmut Marko surprised by 'dominant Verstappen'

That Verstappen would go to the podium was something many people expected, but that he would also beat teammate Sergio Perez, who started from pole position, was not something everyone had seen coming. The two-time world champion drove a flawless race, and with a good tyre strategy, managed to win in the end.

It is not the first time the Red Bull driver has won a Grand Prix from an awkward starting position. In 2022, Verstappen started from 10th place at the Hungarian Grand Prix. After even spinning his car during the Grand Prix, the Dutch driver still managed to crown his race with victory. The following race, due to a grid penalty, Verstappen had to start from spot 14, despite driving a very dominant qualifying session. The race went flawlessly and after the pit stops, Verstappen managed to take the lead of the race for good.

Marko also continues to surprise

So now that the 25-year-old championship leader has taken another victory from a difficult position, Helmut Marko is also surprised, he told De Telegraaf: "When we brought Max in, I was always confident that he would win races, but not that he would be so dominant already at this young age." Verstappen currently has a 14-point lead over his teammate who is second in the championship, Sergio Perez.