Regardez cela : Verstappen and Perez to battle it out on Miami’s concrete F1 circuit

May 4 – Max Verstappen will bounce back to the top of the podium in Miami.

That is the prediction of Red Bull’s top 80-year-old executive Dr Helmut Marko, even though he says there will be no team orders for the moment between the reigning world champion and his on-form teammate Sergio Pérez.

When asked what went wrong for Dutchman Verstappen at Baku last weekend, Marko told Osterreich newspaper: « The usual story.

« When Max can’t get along with his setup and we’re on a street circuit, Perez is there. »

But while Miami this weekend is also a kind of concrete-lined urban circuit, Marko thinks 25-year-old Verstappen will bounce back to stretch his now 6-point lead over Perez out again.

« I see Max being in front again, » the Austrian said.

« Leclerc could be fast in qualifying like in Baku, but the race should be ours again. And I’m sticking to it – in terms of the season, Max Verstappen is the man. He’s the more consistent. »

However, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher warned after Baku that the relationship between Verstappen and Perez risks spiralling out of control if they start duelling for the title at every race.

« In Baku, both of them fought for the fastest lap until the end, » said Marko.

« But as long as everything remains civilised, we will not intervene. You don’t have to worry about the mood in the team, it’s fine. »

At the same time, he admits that Perez’s wins in both the sprint and main races in Azerbaijan have put a renewed spring in the Mexican’s step.

« That’s right, he woke up and is pushing Max a lot. But I’m relaxed. As long as we’re superior, an internal team fight like that is only good for everyone. »

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