F1 News: Marko Dismisses Notion of Verstappen Winning 2024 Championship in RB19

In a recent statement, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko dispelled the notion that Max Verstappen could clinch the 2024 championship using the 2023 car, RB19, emphasizing the advancements made by rival teams.

Key Takeaways:

• Helmut Marko refutes claims of Verstappen winning the 2024 championship in the RB19, highlighting McLaren’s B-spec car’s performance improvements, which narrowed the gap in the previous season.
• Despite Verstappen’s dominant performances in the RB19 in 2023, Marko stresses the inconsistency of rival teams like McLaren, dismissing the idea of securing the championship with the previous car.
• Marko acknowledges the improvements in the 2024 title contender, the RB20, but expresses uncertainty about its performance compared to rivals, awaiting clarity during pre-testing in Bahrain.

The anticipation surrounding Max Verstappen’s potential in the 2024 Formula 1 season has sparked discussions within the paddock, especially regarding his chances of securing another championship. Verstappen’s remarkable performance in the RB19 during the 2023 season, where he clinched victory in 19 out of 22 Grands Prix, has led some to speculate whether he could replicate such success with the same car in the following year.

However, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko swiftly dismissed such claims, highlighting the evolving landscape of Formula 1 and the improvements made by rival teams. Marko particularly pointed out McLaren’s advancements with their B-spec car, which showed promising performance towards the end of the previous season. In an interview with OE24, Marko stated:

“That’s nonsense. Last year we had the B McLaren already come close on certain tracks, but they were not consistent enough.”

Marko’s remarks underscore the competitive nature of Formula 1, where even the slightest advancements by rival teams can significantly impact a team’s performance and championship aspirations. Despite Verstappen’s stellar record in the RB19, Marko emphasized the importance of consistency and adaptability, especially in the face of rising competition.

Looking ahead, Marko expressed optimism about Red Bull’s 2024 title contender, the RB20, describing it as an evolution of the successful 2023 model. However, he also acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding its performance compared to rival teams. With pre-testing scheduled in Bahrain next week, Marko anticipates gaining clarity on the RB20’s competitiveness and potential challenges posed by other teams’ developments:

“That will become clear during the tests in Bahrain next week. What you can already say is that the new car is an evolution of last year’s car, and we had the best package. If we eliminate the few weak points, not much should go wrong. But who knows, maybe a competitor has managed a special trick during development.”

As the 2024 season approaches, the Formula 1 community eagerly awaits the on-track action to see how teams will fare with their new challengers and whether Verstappen can maintain his competitive edge in the quest for another championship title.