Marko: Piastri is 'not quite at Verstappen's level' yet.
"He has his highs and lows."
Oscar Piastri is quite remarkable, but he’s "not yet" on the same level as his 2025 world championship competitor Max Verstappen. This perspective comes from Dr. Helmut Marko, the longtime F1 advisor at Red Bull, who has increasingly highlighted championship leader Piastri as the standout driver for McLaren. He recently shared with Kronen Zeitung: "Piastri has picked things up incredibly quickly. He prepares thoroughly and shows resilience during critical moments, whereas (Lando) Norris tends to be more of a trial-and-error driver and lacks the same level of consistency."
In recent remarks made on Servus TV, the 82-year-old Marko commented further on the young Australian: "He’s a naturally composed analyst. Very little throws him off balance. But he’s not quite at Max’s level yet." The Austrian pointed out a significant instance during Monaco, where Norris exhibited "clearly stronger" performance in his McLaren counterpart. "He has his ups and downs," Marko stated about Piastri, who is currently ten points ahead of Norris at the top of the 2025 drivers’ standings.
However, he conceded that comparing Piastri with Verstappen might be somewhat unfair, as he believes the four-time world champion is "the perfect driver." Nevertheless, he is impressed by Piastri’s speed and his strategic mindset, particularly when the 24-year-old observed Verstappen using new hard compound tires behind the safety car in Barcelona. "We couldn’t get them up to temperature," Marko noted. "Piastri also slowed down before the restart. Despite being young, he behaves like an experienced driver and recognized Max was on hard tires."
Marko admitted that if Red Bull cannot quickly enhance its car's performance, Verstappen’s pursuit of a fifth consecutive drivers’ title "will ultimately be over," with Piastri in a favorable position. "In the constructors’ championship, we’ve already conceded overall victory," Marko conveyed to Speed Week. "We don’t have a chance there anymore. This is also partly due to the second driver, as Yuki Tsunoda is only gradually gaining momentum."
Other articles
Vasseur is aware that he will not be at the helm of Ferrari indefinitely.
Formula 1 | Frederic Vasseur has persisted in his criticism of what he claims are troublesome Formula 1 journalists. Although he acknowledges his three-year (…)
Alonso believes that if Verstappen loses in 2025, it won't be due to his own mistakes.
Formula 1 | If Max Verstappen fails to secure a fifth consecutive drivers' world championship this year, it won’t be due to his own shortcomings. That’s the perspective of Fernando (…)
Italian taxi drivers responded to Toto Wolff
In Barcelona, Toto Wolff called Verstappen a "Roman taxi driver." The response from the taxi drivers' union was not long in coming...
Glock believes that Aston Martin ought to release Lance Stroll.
Formula 1 | A former grand prix driver believes Lance Stroll is on borrowed time in Formula 1. With a bandage on his right wrist, the (…)
There is 'no update' regarding the contract situation of Russell in Canada.
Formula 1 | The consistently high-performing George Russell in 2025 may be leading in Canada, yet he still does not have a contract secured for next year. However, as (…)
Coronel: Verstappen is 'definitely' remaining with Red Bull.
Formula 1 | A Formula 1 specialist who has a close relationship with Max Verstappen believes that the Dutch driver will certainly remain at Red Bull for the upcoming year. The four-time world (...)
Marko: Piastri is 'not quite at Verstappen's level' yet.
Formula 1 | While Oscar Piastri is making a strong impression, he has not yet reached the level of 2025 world championship contender Max Verstappen. This perspective is held by Dr. Helmut (…)