Helmut Marko reveals Red Bull mistake that cost Verstappen podium at Spa

Helmut Marko has admitted the Red Bull team missed the mark on its setup following Max Verstappen’s outing at the Belgian Grand Prix. The 82-year-old detailed how the team had largely set up its car for a rain-affected race.

Verstappen, who had dominated the sprint race at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, largely failed to make an impression on the front runners during the 44-lap race. The Dutch driver, to his frustration, was stuck behind Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari for the duration of the race.

Marko, in his assessment of the Dutch driver’s outing, stressed that the team would have been better off maintaining the rear wing it used during the sprint format.

"The bottom line is that we couldn't keep up with that pace," said Helmut Marko on Sky Sports.

"Our setup was geared towards rain, and it became apparent that we were simply driving too slowly in sector 1."

"The setup we had in the sprint would have been significantly better in this situation," emphasized Marko, adding: "We were never in a position to overtake the Ferrari."

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Helmut Marko praises McLaren after Oscar Piastri victory at Spa

Helmut Marko also took time to praise the McLaren team following Oscar Piastri’s victory at the Belgian Grand Prix. The 82-year-old explained that the Woking-based outfit was largely in a class of its own.

"Simply in a class of their own. Congratulations again," said Marko.

The Austrian, however, concluded with optimism about the possible upgrades coming for the Red Bull team at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

"We'll still bring something to Hungary. Let's see how that plays out."