Helmut Marko believes Max Verstappen would possibly struggle to extend his run of pole positions at the Miami Grand Prix.
The Dutchman has been fastest in each and every qualifying enquiry for the 2024 Grand Prix so far. He missed out on pole for the Sprint in Shanghai last weekend, but still came from fourth to win the short gallop race.
Verstappen also has 4 Grand Prix wins out of five and would have swept to white had he not missed out in Melbourne due to a mechanical failure. Its continued good luck has convinced Red Bull advisor Marko that the team, once again, will be a car that dominates most, if not all, places.
In his Speedweek column, the Austrian wrote: “Five GP weekends, another five circuits, five pole positions for Max Verstappen, 4 wins. At this point, we can rather say that we have a fast car on any kind of track.
“We have to point out that tyre wear in Melbourne is unusually high for Red Bull’s conditions. As for [Sergio] Perez’s car, we don’t know exactly if the damage sustained to his car contributed to this. But the findings of long trips also imply that there is too much wear and tear.
“That means: fast, yes, but the road surface and steering can make all the difference. “And Marko believes this may limit Verstappen’s chances in the upcoming qualifying consultation in Miami.
He continued: “The racecourses where rivals can get a little closer to us are Miami or Monaco, especially as the festival has come closer, especially in qualifying. I think it probably wouldn’t be easy to be on pole position. “.
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However, Marko is not too worried and continues to support Verstappen to get the win at the end of the week. He wrote: “Formula 1 will then move to Florida. I hope we will be competitive in Miami as well. But the situations are once back absolutely different, warm and humid.
“We see how sensitive the tyres are to adjustments in conditions. We will fight for the victory, but it will also play an important role who, among the pursuers, will have the day, and it will continue to vary depending on the route. “
Red Bull is 40 points ahead of nearest rival Ferrari in the constructors’ standings and 99 points ahead of McLaren in third. Verstappen has a 25-point lead over teammate Perez in the drivers’ championship and is the overwhelming victory to win his fourth consecutive title this year.
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