F1 | Marko states that the championship would be over without Hamilton and Verstappen's exceptional performances
Red Bull's motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has lavished praise on Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen's performances this season, arguing that the championship race would be over if the pair were not getting the maximum out of their cars.
Red Bull's motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has argued that the championship fight between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton would be over if it weren't for both drivers getting the maximum out of their cars.
The championship fight between Verstappen and Hamilton has been the sport's closest and most controversial in years, with the duo winning all but four of this season's races.
Last weekend's race in Austin saw Verstappen and Hamilton duel for victory once again, with the Dutchman coming out on top despite being on much older rubber after pitting earlier in the second pit window.
As a result of his victory in Texas, Verstappen now has a 12 point lead over Hamilton in the drivers' championship, with Red Bull 23 points behind Mercedes in the constructors' championship.
In an interview with Motorsport.nl, Marko praised both of the championship protagonists' performances this season. Nevertheless, the Austrian admitted that the Red Bull was a more challenging car to set up compared to the Mercedes.
"It is so close together that the shape of the day, the asphalt and even the outside temperature can be the deciding factor; it seems that Mercedes can find the right setup significantly faster. Our car is more complex and, as a result, we often need more time for the setup."
"Furthermore, there are only two drivers who always manage to get the most out of the cars. Hamilton at Mercedes, and Max, of course, with us."
Marko also venerated Sergio Perez's recent upturn in form, with the Mexican proving to be a crucial asset in Verstappen's push for the title.
In Turkey, Perez's performance turned out to be pivotal for Red Bull, as he managed to hold off Hamilton's charge through the field in the second half of the race to finish third in tricky conditions.
"As for the second drivers, Perez has thankfully found his way up and Bottas. His race in Turkey was extremely good, and the one in Austin above average, But there are only two exceptional drivers who keep this duel alive, regardless of whether Mercedes or Red Bull has the faster car".
"In the end, the driver really makes the difference this year. And those drivers are so extremely good that Verstappen can even beat a faster Mercedes on Hard tyres, as happened in America."
