Villeneuve knows Verstappen "is not easy" but understands the relationship wih Marko

Jacques Villeneuve understands the relationship between Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko, even with the Dutchman being "not easy" to deal with sometimes.

Verstappen and Marko have a good relationship at Red Bull Racing, but the latter is also known to be very strict as the advisor of the Austrian team, especially when it comes to the drivers and their performances.

If you don't perform well, Marko intervenes. However, he often manages to choose the right drivers, with Villeneuve pointing to Verstappen, resulting in their positive relationship.

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"A lot of respect" between Verstappen and Marko

The Dutchman has been driving for Red Bull for years and has won his four world titles in Formula 1 in the past four years. Red Bull advisor Marko is involved in managing the portfolio of drivers within the energy drink brand - and it can get tough. Former F1 driver and world champion Villeneuve understands it well.

"Marko likes drivers who can be tough and have dissent, as long as it is a constructive and intelligent conversation," Villeneuve said before the qualifying in Japan to Sky Sports. "We all know Max is not easy in terms of character. He can push back when needed, and there is a lot of respect between the two."

Earlier, after the race weekend in China, the decision within Red Bull was made regarding the drivers. Liam Lawson is driving again for Racing Bulls this weekend, while Tsunoda is having his debut weekend for the Austrian top team in front of his home crowd.