Helmut Marko Reveals Shocking Surprises in Max Verstappen Statement

Helmut Marko, an advisor for Red Bull Racing, revealed several unexpected moments while discussing Max Verstappen’s performance at the recent Canadian Grand Prix. Verstappen crossed the line second, finishing behind George Russell after an intense race that featured both strategic battles and a late-race incident between the two drivers.

This marked Verstappen’s first podium since his win at Imola earlier this season. In the closing laps at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Verstappen pushed hard to challenge Russell, but the Mercedes car held on for victory.

Red Bull opted for a more aggressive strategy to cope with tire wear issues on the RB21. Early in the race, Verstappen applied extra pressure trying to overtake Russell, which Marko later suggested may have impacted his overall result. Read more about Verstappen and Red Bull’s aggression here.

As the race entered its third stint, Verstappen’s pace picked up, bringing him back into contention, yet Mercedes’ consistent speed proved insurmountable. Despite this, the second-place finish was an improvement over recent weekends, with Red Bull showing increased competitiveness compared to previous outings.

During the last safety car period, Red Bull filed a protest with the FIA regarding Mercedes, focusing on maneuvers by Russell during those final laps. The protest came after McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri collided, ending Norris’s race and shuffling the order at the front.

However, the FIA reviewed the situation and rejected Red Bull’s complaint, confirming Russell’s victory in Montreal. According to Marko, Mercedes lacked the usual tire problems that had been anticipated, making their race pace unexpectedly strong. More details on Russell’s Canadian GP win are available.

McLaren, meanwhile, faced a disappointing event. After showing strong performances at earlier rounds, McLaren’s pace did not match expectations in Canada.

Norris’s retirement and the team’s internal clash left them without a podium finish this time. The race further tightened the championship battle.

In the updated driver standings, Oscar Piastri leads with 198 points, followed by McLaren teammate Norris on 176, and Verstappen in third with 155. George Russell’s win boosted him to 136 points. Piastri recently praised Norris for his racing efforts.

On the team front, McLaren continue to lead the standings with 374 points, followed by Mercedes at 199. Ferrari are close behind with 183 points, and Red Bull stand on 162.

The Canadian round has shown shifts in performance across the grid, with Mercedes’ resurgence offering new intrigue for the rest of the season. The next race on the 2025 Formula 1 calendar will take place at the Red Bull Ring in Austria on June 29.

As the championship continues, teams and drivers will look to capitalize on momentum. The Canadian Grand Prix delivered excitement with its mix of wheel-to-wheel action, strategy calls, and post-race debate.

Verstappen’s admission, and Marko’s reaction, suggest Red Bull will keep pushing to close the gap to their rivals as the season moves forward.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.