Analysis after Bahrain

Marko: “If Max hadn’t been there, …”

Helmut Marko (left) and Max Verstappen(Bild: APA/AFP/JOHN THYS)

Max Verstappen dominated the first race of the season at will. But Red Bull boss Helmut Marko believes that the competition is even closer. "If it hadn't been for Max, it would have been an interesting race."

"I believe that the other teams have taken a step forward, and I have to say that things are much closer between Mercedes, Ferrari, Aston Martin and McLaren than last year," the 80-year-old told Motorsport-total, assessing the balance of power in Formula 1. "One team is slightly better in qualifying, the other is slightly better in race trim. One is better on the soft tire and the other on the hard tire. If Max hadn't been there, it would have been an interesting race."

Things did not necessarily look so rosy in practice and qualifying. Verstappen and Perez had to contend with the wind and the low temperatures in Bahrain. But on the Saturday of the race, conditions were perfect for Red Bull.

Helmut Marko (left) and Sergio Perez(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Cooling "a problem"?
Can the competition at least have a glimmer of hope? Cooling could be "a problem" with the new car, reveals Marko. "But we had no problems at all, not even when Checo (Perez, note) was stuck in traffic for a while. So now we can only say: Yes, our new concept is working."

Perez celebrated second place behind Verstappen in Bahrain. Marko added: "It's a great achievement not to be destroyed by Max."

The second race of the season takes place this weekend in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Will Red Bull be the clear number one there too? ...