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Helmut Marko happy Hamilton is not next to Verstappen

Marko happy: 'Quite a relief that Hamilton is not next to Verstappen

9 July 2023 at 07:50
Last update 9 July 2023 at 09:36
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  • Matt Gretton
  • Editor-in-Chief

Speaking to Kronen Zeitung, Helmut Marko has again made some noticable statements. According to the Red Bull Racing team advisor, it is a relief that Lewis Hamilton is not starting next to Max Verstappen. The Austrian also admits an error in judgement.

Starting with the error of judgement. It was a challenging qualifying session for the British Grand Prix. With constantly rapidly changing track conditions at the Silverstone Circuit, timing and concentration was very important. Max Verstappen took pole, but it could have gone wrong.

Red Bull considered single run in Q3 with Verstappen

Indeed, in Q3, Verstappen was extremely fast and had a gap of over six-tenths on the number two after the first run. Marko: "We even considered not going out again in the last minutes of qualifying. We thought one lap in Q3 would be enough, but that was not the case."

That was well demonstrated by the fast laps of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Suddenly, McLaren are right back in it after some upgrades. At the last minute, Verstappen managed to beat the McLarens' time on his last lap. So the starting line-up consists of a top three with Verstappen and two McLarens. Marko is pleased with the British rival's performance. If only because another risk factor has now been removed.

Marko happy that Hamilton is not there

Marko: "We are happy that once again someone else is behind us, and we are especially happy that Hamilton is not next to us. That is a reassurance in itself." Marko leaves open why he prefers Hamilton not to be next to Verstappen. Is it the Mercedes driver's strong long runs, or is the Austrian referring to the heavy crash of 2021?

During qualifying, the two 2021 title rivals also met on the track, Marko: "When that happened, not such good memories surfaced. We didn't actually have McLaren on our radar. So I don't know what their race pace is like or their tyre wear. I think we do have a buffer. In fact, we are usually just a bit better in the race."