Max Verstappen, according to Helmut Marko, is trying to get to grips with Formula One’s new equipment, which has resulted in a loss of confidence behind the wheel.
After Formula One proposed radical new technological requirements for 2022, Helmut Marko stated that Red Bull is facing the “reverse” challenge to Ferrari this year.
In 2021, Max Verstappen had a significant performance benefit over colleague Sergio Perez, despite the fact that the two Scuderia racers were generally quite close on racetrack.
Charles Leclerc has overtaken Carlos Sainz in each of the first three races of 2022, while Verstappen has unable to create any space between himself and Perez. Perez had been dominating from pole position with confidence in the early parts of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – an event won by Verstappen – before an untimely Safety Car disrupted his race.
Marko has revealed that Verstappen’s racing style makes it difficult for him to adapt to the current cars, resulting in the two teams’ roles being reversed.
“Perez is much closer to Max than was the case in 2021,” Marko told German publication F1-Insider.
“The simplest explanation for this is the new cars with less downforce suit some drivers better and others less. Sainz is an intelligent, very hard worker.
“In Australia, he was closer, but then he was unlucky with the red flag and later with the steering wheel. Perez is very happy with the set-up of the car.
“Max finds it even harder. He hasn’t found the right balance yet and, therefore, doesn’t have the fullest confidence in the car. His aggressive driving style doesn’t quite go together with the new cars.”
How does Red Bull keep Verstappen motivated?
When questioned how Red Bull is keeping Verstappen motivated after such a tough start to his championship defence, Marko says the squad has been attempting to show him the perspective of two retirements over the course of such a long season.
“His youthful age is predestined for impatience,” Marko commented.
“I told him we still have 20 races left, with over 500 points up for grabs with Sprint races and fastest laps. Nothing is lost.
“However, the Ferrari is a very reliable car that is fast in all conditions, and apparently always drives in the right tyre window from the start.
“It’s more difficult with our car. We need much longer to do this. We have to work on that.”
Marko not writing off 2022 title fight yet
Verstappen currently behind race winner Leclerc by 46 points after two distinct technical faults in 3 races. Despite the enormous lead, Marko considers that everything is still up for grabs, citing the 2010 title duel with then-driver Sebastian Vettel as an instance.
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“We have 20 races left,” he said.
“With Vettel, we were 44 points down at the halfway point in the season, but we still won. Even then against Ferrari.
“In addition, in the first two races of the season we were on an equal footing with Ferrari. Only at the third event in Melbourne did we not stand a chance against Leclerc, at least in the race. That had something to do with the graining of the tyres and an imperfect set-up.”
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