Helmut Marko issues DIRE Max Verstappen warning ahead of rain-threatened Belgian GP

Max Verstappen

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Marko issues DIRE Verstappen warning ahead of rain-threatened Belgian GP

Helmut Marko has given a bleak Max Verstappen warning ahead of F1's return to Spa

Matthew Hobkinson Lead Editor

F1 Editor & Journalist

Friday 28 July 2023 09:54

Red Bull special adviser Helmut Marko has warned the rest of the Formula 1 grid that Max Verstappen's supremacy of the sport will only increase should there be rain at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Rain and Spa go hand-in-hand. With all eyes looking up to the sky this weekend, the forecast appears to be right on queue again to bring a deluge to the circuit.

Despite Verstappen finishing a stunning 33.7s clear of Lando Norris at the Hungaroring last weekend, the threat of rain has led many to get excited over the possibility of an upset to the usual top-step celebration.

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That was compounded further when Verstappen was given a five-place grid drop after changing his gearbox ahead of this weekend's action.

Yet Marko has been quick to dismiss that line of thinking, insisting that the rain will only highlight Verstappen's domination in his RB19.

Marko: Rain will help Verstappen

Max Verstappen claimed victory for Red Bull at the Hungarian Grand Prix despite not starting on pole

"Rain," he told Austrian outlet OE24 when asked what fans can expect this weekend. "And that's where Verstappen's superiority will show up even more blatantly."

Marko did concede that failing to qualify on pole in Hungary did concern Red Bull somewhat, but went on to insist that their race pace meant there was never any doubt over the eventual outcome.

"Well, if the car isn't in the best position, like in Budapest qualifying, we feel that the others are getting closer," he added.

"That's true, we're way ahead in race trim. Max actually could have driven even faster, he wasn't at the limit by a long shot."