F1 Udate: “Only two drivers could challenge Max Verstappen in equal machinery” says Helmut Marko. Thes…

Helmut Marko Claims Only Two Drivers Could Challenge Max Verstappen in Equal Machinery

In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, where every fraction of a second counts, the debate over who is the best driver never ends. Red Bull Racing’s advisor, Helmut Marko, recently stirred the pot with his bold claim that only two drivers could beat Max Verstappen if they were in equal machinery. Marko’s statement has sparked widespread discussion in the F1 community, particularly because it reflects his high regard for Verstappen, a driver who has been virtually unstoppable this season.

Marko’s remarks came in a recent interview where he was asked to weigh in on the current state of the F1 grid and the dominance of Verstappen. The Dutch driver has been on a tear this season, winning multiple races and cementing his status as the driver to beat. Verstappen’s incredible form has led many to wonder how he would fare against other top drivers if they were all in equally competitive cars.

According to Marko, only two drivers could realistically challenge Verstappen under these circumstances. The first name on Marko’s list is Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion and one of the most successful drivers in the history of the sport. Hamilton’s record speaks for itself, and even though his Mercedes team has struggled to match Red Bull’s pace this season, his talent and experience make him a formidable opponent. Marko’s recognition of Hamilton is noteworthy, as it acknowledges the British driver’s enduring skill and competitiveness, despite Mercedes’ current challenges.

However, Marko’s praise didn’t stop with Hamilton. He also singled out another driver who he believes could challenge Verstappen—an assessment that has raised more than a few eyebrows. The driver in question is Sergio Pérez, Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull. Marko’s inclusion of Pérez as one of the only two drivers capable of beating Verstappen is surprising, especially given Pérez’s performance this season. Although Pérez has shown flashes of brilliance, including a race win earlier in the season, he has not consistently matched Verstappen’s pace and has struggled in several races.

Marko’s assessment of Pérez is seen by some as overly generous, particularly when considering that Pérez has only one real win after 10 races in what is widely regarded as the fastest car on the grid. Critics argue that Pérez’s results do not warrant such high praise, especially when other drivers, such as Charles Leclerc of Ferrari or George Russell of Mercedes, have shown potential in less competitive machinery.

The generous praise for Pérez has led to speculation about Marko’s motives. Some believe that Marko is trying to boost Pérez’s confidence, especially as the season heads into its most crucial stages. Others think that Marko is simply trying to keep the team dynamic positive, knowing the importance of maintaining harmony between his two drivers.

Regardless of the reasoning behind Marko’s comments, they highlight the ongoing debate about who the best drivers in Formula 1 truly are. Verstappen’s dominance this season has been undeniable, but Marko’s claim that only Hamilton and Pérez could challenge him in equal machinery is likely to be debated for some time. As the season progresses, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if either Hamilton or Pérez can close the gap to Verstappen and prove Marko right—or wrong.