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Helmut Marko tells why Max Verstappen was slower than Perez Azerbaijan GP

Marko explains why Perez could outqualify Verstappen in Azerbaijan

14 September at 16:14

For the first time in the current F1 season, Sergio Perez was quicker in qualifying than his teammate, Max Verstappen. Red Bull's top advisor, Helmut Marko talked about why the Mexican could be faster than the defending world champion this afternoon, and argued Verstappen could have achieved a better result than finishing in P6.

Marko explains difference between Verstappen and Perez

Two two Red Bull drivers finished in P4 and P6 in qualifying. "The positive thing is that we found speed," Marko told Sky Sports DE. According to the 81-year-old Austrian, Verstappen could have performed reasonably better today.

"Max made a rare mistake," Marko explained. "In Turn 16, he lost six tenths as a result. So a second place would definitely have been possible."

The advisor was also optimistic about his team's chances on Sunday afternoon. "You can overtake here. Checo's long run was very good in terms of tyre degradation. So there is a real chance that we will make a lot of progress in the race," he said.

"Moreover, we can definitely expect safety cars," Marko added. So far, there have been plenty of crashes in Baku, and the safety car also made an appearance during the Sprint Race. In Formula 1 as well, during the first free practice session on Friday, when no fewer than three red flags were waved. That was followed by two further crashes and red flag in FP3 on Saturday morning.

Co-Author: Nicole Mulder


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