Marko says Verstappen is re-energized as title gap shrinks in Austin

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko says Max Verstappen concisely “lost a small spot interest” successful his rubric defence erstwhile the squad struggled for gait earlier this year. Speaking to Sky Sports, Marko added that the Dutchman’s GT3 triumph astatine the Nürburgring successful September helped recharge him: “Now that the car is moving and with his occurrence astatine the Nürburgring, I would accidental 2 tenths conscionable came from him due to the fact that he’s truly motivated, he’s enjoying [F1]. You don’t perceive him shouting, he’s smiling truthful that’s what you need.”

That renewed spark has met a faster RB21. After upgrades and setup changes, Verstappen arrived successful Austin connected a surge—two wins and a 2nd successful the erstwhile 3 races—then chopped the shortage to 55 points with a sprint triumph earlier taking rod for Sunday’s Grand Prix. Marko was cautious astir the bigger representation with six rounds left. “It’s excessively aboriginal to say, but this play looks promising.”

The rubric representation aft the Austin sprint

Verstappen trimmed 8 points from Oscar Piastri’s pb by winning Saturday’s sprint, past bushed Lando Norris to rod for the main race. The mathematics remains steep, nevertheless the momentum has shifted arsenic Red Bull extracts much performance. The team’s caller measurement has stabilized tyre absorption and unlocked one-lap pace, giving Verstappen a level to onslaught connected Sundays.

Verstappen keeps it simple

The champion is not getting drawn into projections. “It’s not astir believing successful it — I conscionable instrumentality it contention by race,” helium said. “Today, yeah, cleanable for maine to get those points. It brings maine a spot closer, for sure… However, I was not wholly blessed with the gait successful the race, and I cognize if we privation to triumph tomorrow, we request to beryllium better. And that’s what I’ll conscionable absorption on.”

For Red Bull, the equation is clear: support the updates delivering, support Verstappen successful his existent headspace, and fto the points follow. The hunt for a 5th crown is inactive difficult, yet the doorway is unfastened again.