Dr. Marko Skeptical Verstappen Can Fight for Title Again

Pulse Sports Team 13:44 - 31 July 2026

Former Red Bull advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko, doesn't believe Max Verstappen can stage a strong comeback this season.

In 2025, the four-time world champion was once more than 100 points behind the championship leader, yet he ultimately missed out on a fifth consecutive title by just 2 points at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Lando Norris was crowned world champion.

Speaking to "Krone Zeitung," the Austrian expressed doubt that the Red Bull Racing driver could repeat such a comeback.

"They (Red Bull) aren't consistently fast. Furthermore, it seems things aren't entirely smooth between Max and the engineers. The competition from McLaren and Ferrari is too strong, and the car is too unstable. I certainly wouldn't bet on it," stated Dr. Marko. "But I sincerely hope Max stays at Red Bull."

Currently, Verstappen trails championship leader Kimi Antonelli by 110 points in the drivers' standings. The Italian has 219 points, with Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari exactly 50 points behind him, and 9 points ahead of George Russell in the other Mercedes car.