The 2023 season ended with Red Bull Racing dominating, with the team winning 21 of 22 races and finishing first and second in the drivers’ standings for the first time in its history. Consultant Helmut Marko estimated the likelihood of a repeat of such success in 2024.
Question: When you and the team celebrated the victory in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, did you remember Dietrich Mateschitz?
Helmut Marko: Without Mateschitz none of this would have been possible. I recently spoke to Max and asked him if he had ever dreamed of something like this. Max just shook his head and said, “Never, never!” Unfortunately, the person who gave us this opportunity no longer sees our successes.
Question: But Mateschitz still managed to congratulate Max Verstappen on his early successes…
Helmut Marko: It’s true, because there were many wonderful victories and titles. But it’s a shame that he no longer sees the results of the team and Max. In some ways, this season turned out to be unique. Who knows if it can be repeated.
Question: But you don’t rule out the possibility of a recurrence of such dominance?
Helmut Marko: We have a great car and a very motivated team. But the decisive factor for dominance, and more and more people are recognizing this, is the Max Factor. Sergio Perez received a lot of criticism despite being a top-level racer. He was simply unlucky in that his teammate was the talent of the century.
Question: Many once believed that no one could surpass Michael Schumacher’s records, but then Lewis Hamilton won seven titles and scored 103 victories…
Helmut Marko: There is a good chance that Max will win more than one title. But I just don’t think we can have another season where we win all but one race.
Q: Are you concerned that the team has missed an opportunity to reach 22 wins?
Helmut Marko: I’ve always said that if we win in Singapore, we can count on winning all the races. But the simulator misled us, which affected the results of the qualifying in Singapore. We were fast in the race, but overtaking is hardly possible on this city circuit.
Question: Will Red Bull try to win all 24 races in 2024?
Helmut Marko: This result is quite illusory. But first let’s see if it will actually be possible to hold all 24 races. As you know, the stage in Imola was canceled this year due to a natural disaster. When I look at the events in the world, I understand that you have to be very optimistic to believe that everything will go according to plan.
Question: The new season starts on March 2. Don’t mind starting so early?
Helmut Marko: If there are so many races on the calendar, we will have to accept that. If you start later, your work schedule will be even more stressful.
Question: You once said you won’t come to all the races in 2024?
Helmut Marko: Did I say that?
Q: You said you plan to discuss plans for 2024 after the end of the season. Will we see you at the races next year?
Helmut Marko: After the season we will discuss my plans. People usually discuss what will happen in the new season after the current season ends. This has always been the case.
Q: You have repeatedly emphasized that you have the power to work as before…
Helmut Marko: I have the strength for this. In Las Vegas, at four in the morning after training, I was in surprisingly good shape, even better than most.
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
