Verstappen’s Pole Position Streak Faces Challenge in Miami Grand Prix, Warns Helmut Marko

As the anticipation builds for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, Helmut Marko, a key figure at Red Bull Racing, voices concerns over Max Verstappen’s unprecedented pole position streak potentially facing a halt.

Verstappen, the Dutch racing sensation, has set the pace in every qualifying session of the 2024 Grand Prix season thus far. Despite missing out on pole for the Sprint race in Shanghai, he demonstrated his prowess by swiftly maneuvering from fourth to clinch victory in the short-form competition.

With four wins out of five races under his belt, Verstappen’s dominance has been near-unrivaled, with only a mechanical issue thwarting his chances of victory in Melbourne. Marko, the seasoned Red Bull adviser, sees Verstappen’s consistent success as a testament to the team’s formidable car, capable of dominating across various circuits.

In his recent column for Speedweek, Marko reflected on Verstappen’s remarkable achievements, stating: “Five Grand Prix weekends, five different race tracks, and five pole positions for Max Verstappen, along with four victories. At this juncture, it’s evident that we possess a car that excels on every type of circuit.”

As the Grand Prix season unfolds, all eyes will be on Verstappen and Red Bull Racing as they aim to maintain their momentum and secure further victories on the track.

“We have to point out that the tyre wear in Melbourne was unusually high for Red Bull conditions. When it comes to [Sergio] Perez’s car, we don’t know exactly whether the damage to his car contributed to this. But the findings from the long runs also indicate that there is too much wear.

“So that means: Fast, yes, but the road surface and route can make differences.” And Marko thinks that could affect Verstappen’s chances when it comes to qualifying in Miami next time out.

He continued: “Racetracks where the opponents could get a little closer to us are Miami or Monaco, especially since the competition has gotten closer, especially in the qualifying trim. I can imagine that it won’t be easy to be in pole position there.”

Marko remains optimistic and expresses full confidence in Verstappen’s potential to clinch victory by the end of the weekend’s events. “As Formula 1 heads to Florida, I anticipate our competitiveness to extend to Miami as well. However, the conditions present a new challenge, with warmth and humidity prevailing,” Marko stated.

He continued, “We’ve observed the significant impact of varying conditions on tire performance. While we’ll strive for victory, the outcome will also hinge on the performance of our competitors, whose fortunes may fluctuate depending on the circuit.”

Red Bull leads the constructors’ standings by 40 points over closest rival Ferrari, with McLaren trailing by 99 points in third place. In the drivers’ championship, Verstappen holds a comfortable 25-point advantage over teammate Perez, solidifying his position as the frontrunner to claim his fourth consecutive title this season.