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Marko announces updates Red Bull

Verstappen crowned champion in Japan again? 'Honda wouldn't mind'

25 August 2023 at 14:55
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  • GPblog.com

Red Bull Racing may be well in the lead in both Formula 1 championships, but that does not mean the team is shifting its focus entirely to 2024. Updates are still coming for the current season, Helmut Marko says.

Red Bull has significantly less time in the wind tunnel than other F1 teams, but given the team's current lead, that is no cause for concern. The Austrian racing stable may even be able to use the final races of the season to test parts for 2024.

Marko announces updates Red Bull

"Our next upgrade will be in Singapore," Marko announced in conversation with OE24. Asked about the possibility of Verstappen being crowned world champion a week later in Japan, the Red Bull advisor replied, "Let's see if it continues with the wins and records until then. Suzuka would be very fitting. I'm sure our Japanese engine partner wouldn't mind either."

Verstappen could record his 11th win of the season and his ninth in a row at Zandvoort. According to Marko, however, it is not a foregone conclusion that the Dutchman will win his home race for the third year in a row. "It won't be a breeze for him either. Zandvoort is very tight, it will be harder to drive away from the front," the 80-year-old man from Graz stated.

At the same time, he sees what the energy around the circuit does to Verstappen. "That unique atmosphere, that special energy that is at Zandvoort, he also uses it for himself. For three days, it's like a dance party. A whole nation celebrates and enjoys Max's incredible performance," Marko concludes.