Marko disagrees with Verstappen: 'This is where Red Bull lost pole'

01:28, 03 May

byNorberto Mujica

Max Verstappen lost pole position for the F1 sprint race in Miami, not in the slow corners, but in the straights, at least according to Helmut Marko.

It was a first pole position for Antonelli, who will lead Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris into turn 1 tomorrow morning. Whilst Verstappen will start the race in P4.

Marko doesn't see eye to eye with Verstappen in Miami

Speaking on ServusTV, the Red Bull Racing advisor contradicts Verstappen on where Red Bull fell short of its competitors. "In sectors 1 and 2, we are up to par, but in sector 3 we lose about 0.25 seconds. Since there's essentially only one turn there, the conclusion is obvious: we mainly lose time on the straights."

Whereas for Verstappen who believed Red Bull didn't have the speed to fight for pole due to the understeer that affected his RB21, which hindered his run particularly in the slow turns, Marko points to McLaren and Mercedes' decision to replace used elements in their PU's with new ones ahead of the Sprint Qualifying session.

"A new engine normally provides a few extra horsepower, and that seems to have had a positive effect here."