Marko: The chances of winning will be in Austin, Vegas, or Mexico City.

      After stepping down as Red Bull's motorsport consultant at the end of last year, Helmut Marko rarely gives interviews. But on the eve of the Italian Grand Prix, he spoke with the Austrian press and shared how he reacted to Max Verstappen's crash in Zandvoort and when he expects Red Bull Racing to return to winning ways.

      Question: When did you find out that Max Verstappen extended his contract with Red Bull?

      Helmut Marko: In any case, not from the press. I have always said that it is the most sensible decision. But now the team must provide him with a car capable of winning.

      Question: At the same time, the new engine was the main source of uncertainty. Now, according to FIA data, Red Bull has the most powerful engine, and the team cannot modify it...

      Helmut Marko: The regulations are raw, and they need to be changed as soon as possible. The power unit consists of an internal combustion engine, an electric part, software, and a battery. So, it cannot be said that Red Bull has the best power unit.

      Question: Obviously, this engine is not the only weak point. What are the problems at Red Bull?

      Helmut Marko: The team started the season not too badly, but then they went in the wrong direction. If you develop the car in the wrong direction twice, it will be difficult to fix the situation with the current budget constraints.

      Question: Was it a mistake to let Adrian Newey go before the regulation change?

      Helmut Marko: Last year, already without Newey, the team was very close to winning the title. This shows that Red Bull is capable of a lot. But you know that from this year I am just an outside observer.

      Question: How scared were you when Max Verstappen crashed into the wall in Zandvoort?

      Helmut Marko: I got scared the moment the car spun across the track. Fortunately, there was a considerable distance behind Max to the other cars, and Liam Lawson reacted excellently. If someone had crashed into the car standing across the track, it could have ended very seriously.

      Question: How quickly did you calm down then?

      Helmut Marko: I immediately saw from the movement of his head that Max was okay. Then he already said, "I'm fine" and "Sorry!"

      How quickly everything can change was demonstrated by Isaac Hadjar. He injured his wrist during a boxing training session and missed the Dutch Grand Prix because of it.

      Question: In two weeks at the karting event Max vs 100 in Silverstone, Max will have to overtake a hundred competitors. Will he manage?

      Helmut Marko: It's a fun challenge, but not too safe if collisions happen in front of Max and less experienced drivers get involved in the fight. But it will surely be interesting.

      Question: Will Red Bull have a chance to achieve its first victory under the new regulations in Monza?

      Helmut Marko: Too little time has passed. On the short track in Zandvoort, Red Bull was four to five tenths behind the leaders, and that's a huge difference. It will be difficult to win in Monza. Most likely, there will be more chances in Austin, Las Vegas, or Mexico.