F1 boring because of Verstappen? Marko not happy with Norris' statements
Is Formula 1 becoming boring because of Max Verstappen's supremacy? Helmut Marko does not think so. On the contrary, the Austrian stresses how impressive it is that Verstappen keeps developing.
Lando Norris was clear this weekend: Formula 1 is getting boring because of all Max Verstappen's victories. According to the McLaren driver, it is only natural that F1 fans are dropping out. If you already know who is going to win, why even watch? Marko, Red Bull's top advisor, however, disagrees with the young Briton.
Is Verstappen making Formula 1 boring?
"It is not boring at all," Marko said in a conversation with De Telegraaf. According to Marko, skiing also used to have dominant periods, but you should embrace those top athletes instead. "If a sportsman's performance is extraordinary, then you should accept that and be able to appreciate it. And above all, don't say it's boring. It is to Max's credit."
Marko even sees that Verstappen continues to develop. "In terms of qualifications, Max has clearly taken a step. It was about time too, because in terms of pole positions he is still a bit behind compared to victories," jokes the Austrian. Verstappen reportedly spent a lot of time with Gianpiero Lambiase to find a better setup for Saturday's fast lap, without losing his race pace on Sunday.
For now, Marko seems to be right. Where Norris fears viewers will walk away, that is far from the case. Viewing figures continue to rise, and more and more Grands Prix are selling out. So, in that respect, the Verstappen era does not yet resemble previous eras when fans really stopped showing up.