Marko: Verstappen Needs McLaren's Help for F1 2025 Title

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has suggested that a fifth Formula 1 title for Max Verstappen in 2025 is not impossible, but it would require a significant stumble from McLaren. Verstappen, currently 63 points behind Oscar Piastri's championship lead, has shown strong form recently with two wins and two second-place finishes in the last four races, thanks to Red Bull's progress with their RB21.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's pursuit of a breakthrough engine could dramatically reshape the competitive landscape of F1. A powerful yet reliable power unit is crucial for a team aiming to challenge the established frontrunners and return to championship contention, a position they haven't held consistently since 2018.

The Details:

• Current Standings: Verstappen is 63 points behind Oscar Piastri, who leads the championship.
• Recent Performance: Verstappen has secured two wins and two second-place finishes in the last four races, a significant improvement since the summer break.
• Red Bull's Progress: The RB21's development has provided Verstappen with a more competitive platform, with Marko noting the car is now consistently fighting for P1 or P2.
• Sprint Race Pole: Verstappen secured pole position for the United States Grand Prix sprint race, providing an opportunity to reduce the points gap.
• Marko's Comments: Helmut Marko believes Red Bull's turnaround in performance came "a little bit late" for an independent title bid, stating, "We can't do it on our own. We need some help from McLaren. It's not impossible."
• Sprint Race Analysis: Marko praised Verstappen's "unbelievable lap" in qualifying, particularly his speed in Sector 3, which secured pole by 0.071 seconds over Lando Norris.
• McLaren's Strength: McLaren generally has an edge in longer runs and warmer conditions, which could be a factor in the main race, though the shorter sprint race might mitigate this.

The Big Picture:

Red Bull's recent resurgence highlights their capability to develop the RB21, closing the performance gap to McLaren. While the championship seems to be slipping away due to an inconsistent start to the season, their current form suggests they could be a strong contender in future seasons if they maintain this trajectory. The reliance on McLaren's potential struggles underscores the intense competition at the front of the grid.

What's Next:

Verstappen's performance in the sprint race and the main Grand Prix will be crucial to see if he can capitalize on his pole position and further reduce Piastri's lead. The battle between Red Bull and McLaren, especially given the expected hotter conditions, will be a key storyline to watch. If Red Bull can maintain its current development pace into the next season, the 2025 championship could indeed become a more open contest, potentially setting the stage for Verstappen to challenge for a fifth title with consistent performance and perhaps a little help from rivals.