Marko downplays 'minor' issues: 'Verstappen not quite satisfied yet'

Red Bull Content Pool

F1 News

helmut marko after first practice at zandvoort
23 August at 13:05
  • Corwin Kunst

Helmut Marko hopes it stays dry in the second free practice session at Zandvoort so Red Bull Racing can fix some 'minor' problems on Max Verstappen's RB20. Red Bull's advisor also responded to the latest Liam Lawson rumours. For now, the New Zealander does not seem certain of a spot next to Verstappen or at Visa Cash App RB .

The rainy conditions in Zandvoort took some getting used to for Marko too, he told Viaplay. "I just came from Austria, where it was 34 degrees," he laughs. Still, Marko is happy to be back in the Netherlands. "It's enjoyable here, the atmosphere too. Fortunately, we were able to do some laps in the dry, so we could at least learn something."

Verstappen came in second place in FP1, two-tenths behind McLaren driver Lando Norris. "With Max, I think it was okay. The car is not quite to his liking yet. If we get another dry session [this afternoon], we can solve some small problems. We are positively looking forward to this race."

Verstappen spun on the inters, but this was not surprising for Marko. "He was the first to go out on the intermediates. A bit of spinning is good for the action, for the show," he winked.

Marko on Liam Lawson

Marko indicated in an interview with an Austrian newspaper before the weekend that Liam Lawson is certain of a spot at a Red Bull-sponsored car. Christian Horner said on Friday that his conclusion was a little too premature and Marko has since backtracked. He hints at an error in wording.

"I think I said he will drive a Formula One car next year. It is known that we have an option for him, but only if we guarantee him a seat in a Formula 1 car. We will decide in September what exactly will happen." The Austrian concluded.

This article was written in collaboration with Toby Nixon