Helmut Marko has bad news for Verstappen fans in Zandvoort

17:59, 29 Aug

Updated: 18:00, 29 Aug

byTim Kraaij

The Dutch fans in Zandvoort probably don't need to count on a victory from Max Verstappen in his home country. Helmut Marko was very clear with GPblog: McLaren is out of reach.

Max Verstappen has been struggling with the balance of his RB21 since the start of the Formula 1 season in 2025, and nothing has changed after the summer break. Even in his home country, on the beloved Zandvoort, Max Verstappen struggled with his Red Bull car. It even led to a moment rarely seen by the Dutchman.

Things went slightly better for Max Verstappen in the second free practice, but the gap to the two McLarens was still very large. After the second free practice, Helmut Marko spoke with GPblog among others about the expectations for the rest of the weekend.

''McLaren is out of reach''

- Helmut Marko

''I think the McLaren are untouchable,'' began the Red Bull Racing top man. ''Aston Martin surprisingly fast. So I think it's a fight behind for P3 between Aston Martin, Mercedes and us.''

Not Ferrari, but Aston Martin, who, according to Marko, are seriously involved in the Netherlands.

''No, they looked fast, long runs, short runs, with all sort of tyres, especially Alonso. After something that they changed, it is very effective.''

Max Verstappen in action at Zandvoort - Red Bull Content Pool

The problem with Red Bull is a well-known problem that has come up more often during previous race weekends.

''The balance. But the harder the compound, the better we are. And for the race, for sure, it's a medium -hard race with one stop. So our hopes are in this direction.''

During various race weekends, especially in 2024, Red Bull Racing was able to make a significant step forward with the setup from Friday to Saturday. In response to a question from GPblog whether the problem can be solved, Marko said with a laugh: ''Normally, it takes till Saturday until our setup is working, so let's stay optimistic.''

Even with a good setup, however, Marko does not hold out hope for a victory. ''No, P3. McLaren is out of range.''

When asked about the gap, the Austrian said: ''Three, four tenths.''

What did Max Verstappen think of the RB21 in Zandvoort?

The major balance problems also caught Verstappen out during the practice sessions.

Verstappen complained about his car and had the moment in FP1. Verstappen also brought up the balance problems internally again.

''Yes, it's still this understeer problem, Which switches to an oversteer, so to get the right balance is something we are struggling with the whole season'', Marko concluded.