Marko: 'Those are the only two drivers who might be able to keep up with Max'
F1 News
Helmut Marko is not one to put his money where his mouth is. That is common knowledge. Equally well known is the fact that the Austrian has a very high opinion of Max Verstappen. For instance, the Red Bull advisor thinks he is the best driver on the grid, he told OE24.
Red Bull driver Sergio Perez cannot match the speed of Dutchman Max Verstappen. The Mexican started the season strongly, scoring two victories, but has not seemed the same since the Miami Grand Prix. The gap between the two Red Bull drivers is already 69 points after eight races by now. Helmut Marko does know why the gap is so big between his drivers. He attributes it to the two-time world champion's talent, because"Max is Max."
Hamilton, Alonso and Verstappen the best
According to the Austrian, there are few drivers who could make things difficult for Verstappen. He does not get beyond two names, Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. "At best, they can keep up with him. The three of them are simply the best, but even among those three, Max stands out."
Lewis Hamilton appears soon to be committing his future longer to Mercedes, where Fernando Alonso has a happy marriage with Aston Martin. So for now, Verstappen seems to have to make do with Sergio Perez as his teammate.