SUMMARY
- Helmut Marko believes Leclerc and Norris are still not good enough to reach Max Verstappen's level
- The Austrian reckons nobody can stop the ruthless 3-time world champion in 2024
It is no secret that Max Verstappen has become a major success in Formula 1 after showcasing one of the most triumphant careers in F1. However, two drivers managed to challenge him every once in a while last season, but according to Helmut Marko, the aforementioned duo may not be a threat to the “Dutch Lion” after all and are still a long way away from launching a full-fledged attack on Verstappen.
The Dutchman aced his latest F1 season with 19 race wins, while also shattering 16 records. but there have also been times when the driver was challenged by McLaren and Ferrari to some extent. Although the rocket ship of an RB19 hardly allowed anyone to pass by, it was clear that two teams on the grid were showing signs of joining Red Bull in the battle for the championship.
Nonetheless, the masterclass pulled by Verstappen was something not many could do and his team boss believes only the Red Bull star can leave all competition behind and bring yet another championship victory in 2024.
Max Verstappen has no competition: Helmut Marko
Max Verstappen has time and again proven just why he is one of the best drivers on the grid. Although he has a long way to go to attain the complete glory of being the absolute best, he is already being compared to Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton. Not to forget, his recent race-winning streak, breaking Sebastian Vettel’s 9 consecutive race wins.
However, there were times when Charles Leclerc was seen giving the Dutchman tough competition while also managing to defeat him and earn pole positions. Similarly, Lando Norris, too, occasionally challenged Verstappen and secured the second-most podium victories last season. However, Marko believes there is one thing that separates the two from Verstappen.
Helmut Marko speaking to F1 Insider reviewed Verstappen's potential rivals: "Leclerc and Norris are certainly exceptional talents, but both have shown weaknesses in consistency in the past. Furthermore, Max hasn't reached his limit yet and will improve further." https://t.co/yz2L48cyD5
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) January 17, 2024
He said, “Leclerc and Norris are certainly exceptional talents, but both have shown weaknesses in consistency in the past. Furthermore, Max hasn’t reached his limit yet and will improve further. Our task is to provide him with a car equal to the one he had in 2023, to make him the point of reference again.”
When talking about consistency, it’s clear that the champion has been consistent with his results since the 2022 F1 season, while the Monegasque and Briton have both suffered at the hands of their teams and technical issues.
The amusing difference between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton and “Super Max” have had their qualities as F1 drivers compared after the three-time champion put an end to Hamilton’s reign by winning his first championship in 2021. However, all the comparisons between the two have since been debunked, but with AlphaTauri’s team manager talking about Verstappen, he has put things in perspective.
He said, “Lewis Hamilton is very talented, but is involved in so many things that people wonder: is he a Formula 1 driver or not? He’s associated with so many other things. Lewis Hamilton is a brand, Max Verstappen is a Formula 1 driver. And that won’t change.”
AlphaTauri team manager Graham Watson on what Max Verstappen has done for the F1 when compared to Lewis Hamilton.
“Max is the best thing that has happened to Formula 1,”
“When Max went from us to Red Bull, I compared it to Michael Schumacher’s move to Ferrari. He made Formula… pic.twitter.com/G4ZqQxvpEu
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) January 18, 2024
Although Hamilton has equaled his score with the legend, Michael Schumacher and held records for years, he has also made his name outside the sport while Verstappen has been devoted heart, mind, and soul to the sport. While the two have their qualities that make them great, the Dutchman is shining on top as of now.