F1 LIVE | Marko Picks 2025 Champion, Verstappen on Nordschleife Outing

Helmut Marko, Red Bull's advisor, has shared his predictions for the next F1 world champion, favoring Oscar Piastri over Lando Norris for his "calm head." Marko also downplayed Max Verstappen's immediate chances for a fifth title this season, acknowledging the highly competitive grid, particularly Ferrari's potential.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's internal dynamics and future planning are always under scrutiny, and Marko's insights offer a rare glimpse into the team's long-term perspectives on driver talent and championship contenders. His comments underline the fierce competition shaping the current F1 landscape, extending beyond the dominant Red Bull-Verstappen partnership.

The details:

• Marko's Champion Pick: Helmut Marko, speaking to Sport.de, weighed in on who he believes will be the next F1 world champion, focusing on McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
• Piastri's Edge: Marko highlighted Piastri's "calm head" as a decisive advantage over Norris, suggesting this quality could lead him to a championship.
• Verstappen's Title Hopes: Marko expressed skepticism about Max Verstappen securing a fifth drivers' title this season, citing the increasingly competitive F1 grid.
• Ferrari's Potential: He specifically mentioned Ferrari as a team capable of significantly impacting the championship battle, indicating a broader competitive field than often perceived.

Between the lines:

Marko's comments on Piastri's composure hint at the mental fortitude required beyond raw speed to win a championship, a trait Red Bull clearly values. His downplaying of Verstappen's immediate fifth title reflects a pragmatic view of the sport's evolving competitiveness, perhaps a strategy to temper expectations or motivate the team to maintain its edge against resurgent rivals like Ferrari.

What's next:

Marko's predictions, while speculative, underscore the growing excitement around the next generation of F1 talent and the increasing unpredictability of the championship. The performance of Piastri and Norris in upcoming seasons, alongside Ferrari's development, will be crucial in validating or refuting these early assessments.