F1 News

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko on Verstappen and Perez's chances

What can ‘king of the streets’ Perez do? Marko: ‘Verstappen on same level’

27 May 2023 at 10:54
Last update 27 May 2023 at 11:06

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko is looking forward to the Monaco Grand Prix, where he himself drove past the port as a driver 50 years ago. His current team, Red Bull, has a great chance of victory in the principality. Besides, the Austrian racing stable has the best street driver in the house with Sergio Perez, right?

After a difficult first free practice, Dutchman Max Verstappen 'just' finished the second practice session in first place. Red Bull therefore seems to have the greatest chance of victory for now, you would think. Helmut Marko earlier told otherwise. In his eyes, Ferrari is the favourite. Sergio Perez is known to the Austrian racing formation as 'the king of the streets' after his convincing wins in Monaco, Baku, Singapore, Jeddah and Sakhir. Indeed, the Mexican has never won a race at a traditional circuit.

Verstappen or Perez?

Why is Ferrari the favourite, when Red Bull has possibly the best street driver with Perez, OE24 asked the team advisor. "Checo did indeed win Monaco last year, but I think Max can on the same level this year," the Austrian said. Both drivers have won once in the kingdom and are therefore both vying for a second win at the iconic circuit. However, Monegasque Charles Leclerc has never won in his homeland, so according to Helmut Marko, that could change.