Marko speechless over Verstappen’s Mexico stint: ‘That’s just Max!’

Red Bull’s top advisor Helmut Marko shared that he was the only one who believed Max Verstappen could finish on the podium in Mexico.

After starting on medium tyres and switching to softs as part of an alternative strategy, Max Verstappen finished third at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The Dutchman could have gained an additional spot, but a late Virtual Safety Car prevented him from having a shot at overtaking Charles Leclerc for P2.

After the race, Marko told the media: "I was the only one who thought positively."

Previously, the Austrian had won a bet against Jos Verstappen in Australia, but this time, "nobody wanted to bet with me," he explained.

The external advisor continued: "Nobody believed it. But I told Max that morning to think positively. And then we saw what was possible."

Verstappen on the podium in Mexico - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

The top advisor praises Verstappen

Marko was especially satisfied with the defending world champion's second stint, praising his form.

"Max delivered this incredible stint. He was really pushing the limits, but at the same time kept the tyres alive.

He concluded, "I was always worried that the tyres would fail. But he more or less ran his 1:21.2 lap after lap, always within half a tenth of a second. That's just Verstappen."

With this result, Verstappen moved closer to securing his fifth consecutive Drivers’ Championship. He now trails Lando Norris by 36 points with four rounds remaining in the season.

Read also

Red Bull 'in no rush' to choose Verstappen’s teammate for 2026

Russell would 'relish' going up against Verstappen

Alonso learns from FIA's decision: 'Next time we take advantage'

Check out the latest episode of GPblog's F1 Paddock Update here!

Want to stay up-to-date with what happens inside the Formula 1 paddock? Then GPblog's F1 Paddock Update video is the perfect way to do it.

Subscribe to GPblog's YouTube channel and turn on notifications to never miss the latest episodes.

Don't forget to follow us on Spotify as well!