Marko outshines 'pessimistic Verstappens' in Melbourne.

      "For them, the glass is half empty"

      By GMM

      15 March 2025 - 13:01

      Dr. Helmut Marko is striving to maintain a positive outlook on Red Bull’s circumstances as the 2025 season begins in Melbourne. Max Verstappen disagreed with his mentor’s assertion that achieving a second-row qualifying position might still be feasible for the season opener, while Max’s father has cautioned that a full season of challenges could lead to an early exit for the team.

      "The Verstappens are rather pessimistic," Marko stated to Sport1, "while I tend to be more optimistic. For them, the glass is half empty right now - for me, it’s half full."

      In the end, Marko proved his point as Verstappen secured P3 in qualifying, trailing the strong McLarens. However, Verstappen points out that the primary issue in 2025 thus far isn't about difficult car handling—as it was last year. "The main problem is that we’re simply too slow," the Dutch driver remarked. "It’s not that the balance is poor; we just lack sufficient grip. It’s not particularly good or bad, it’s just what I anticipated."

      "Of course, everyone has the chance to develop and improve," Verstappen continued. "But first, you need to comprehend it. Or be aware of where you can make improvements. I am not an expert in aerodynamics and I can’t design suspension either. I simply drive what I’m given. I will provide feedback on that, of course, but I cannot instruct them on designing a front wing."

      What is evident is that Red Bull has started the 2025 season at a disadvantage, as indicated by Sergio Perez’s replacement, Liam Lawson, who failed to advance to Q3. "That (gap) should be a bit smaller," Marko asserts.

      Former F1 driver Timo Glock remarked to Sky Deutschland: "We already had some signs, but I didn’t expect it to be this severe." Nonetheless, there have been consistent indications that Verstappen is, according to Marko, "only two to three tenths" behind McLaren. "But Max can’t perform miracles either," he added. "If the technical gap is too vast, then even the Max factor won’t be of assistance."