"I thought 'Oh no, it's over'" says Helmut Marko
F1 News
Helmut Marko has admitted that he thought winning the Austrian Grand Prix was going to be hard after Max Verstappen's poor start. The Dutchman drove a perfect race after this point and the car worked harmoniously to pip Charles Leclerc to the race win. Marko is hopeful for more success throughout this season.
"First the disappointment after the start, I thought 'Oh no, it's over'," Marko said to GPToday.net. "And then slowly Max woke up and the last few laps were unbelievable fireworks of brilliant driving.
"Honda gave us all the power they had for the last 30 laps, the tyres were staying together and we have a fantastic chassis.
"This win is far more exciting than if he would have just done a proper start and just overtook one for the win."
Marko had been expecting his team to win and has given thanks to the Honda engine for allowing the team to get the race win.
"We had expected the win, but after the start, we thought it was all over. But thanks to the Honda engine. It has finished every race with Max so far this year. Only one reliability since last year."