Marko assesses qualifying Verstappen and Perez: 'That's where Max won a lot'
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F1 News
Prior to qualifying for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Helmut Marko stated that he was satisfied with a third starting position, given Ferrari's pace on a single lap. Charles Leclerc may start the Formula 1 race at the Las Vegas Street Circuit from pole position, but like Max Verstappen, Marko also thinks Red Bull Racing's race pace is better than its qualifying pace.
Perez stranded in Q2 for ninth time
Sergio Perez failed to reach Q3 of qualifying for the ninth time this F1 season. "Our goal was to get the first two starting rows and we thought it was possible with both cars. Let's say the timing was not ideal," Marko said. "It didn't make much difference and warming up the tyres was also crucial. He didn't get all that done. Then he fell out, it was all very unfortunate."
He continued: "Nevertheless, we think we are better in terms of race speed, although Max has made some changes that Sergio didn't like. Especially in terms of top speed, where Max has made a lot of gains."
"It's a race that will be decided by tyre wear," Marko added. That is an area where the RB19 is usually particularly strong. The Red Bull advisor says he expects a strategy consisting of one or two stops.