Formula 1 in Shanghai

Marko: “Of course this white spot bothers Max”

After five years, Formula 1 is back in Shanghai this weekend! Alongside Singapore, Shanghai is the only track on the current world championship calendar where Verstappen has never won. "Of course," says Red Bull's Head of Motorsport Dr. Helmut Marko, "this blank spot bothers him."

The strict corona policy in China also led to the shutters being closed at the Shanghai International Circuit, with the last full-throttle event in the country, which is considered the largest automotive market in the world, taking place on April 14, 2019. With a Max Verstappen, who had just five Grand Prix victories to his name by then.

Verstappen wants to settle the score
This weekend, the "Flying Dutchman", who has now amassed 57 victories and three world championship crowns, wants to settle a score. Alongside Singapore, Shanghai is the only track on the current world championship calendar where Verstappen has never won. "Of course," says Red Bull's Head of Motorsport Dr. Helmut Marko, "this blank spot bothers him."

(Bild: AP)

He came close in 2018 before a collision in the hairpin with Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel spoiled his victory soup. Probably one of Verstappen's last mistakes. And he says today: "That was a lesson for life."

However, the superstar's road to triumph in China is unlikely to be as relaxed as it was in Suzuka, as the first of six sprint races awaits him in addition to the Grand Prix.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

"Have to wait for the practice"
"We haven't raced here for five years, we have to wait for the only practice session to see how aggressive the asphalt really is, and tire wear will also be an issue. So, in a sprint race like this, there are a lot of uncertainties to take into account," explained Dr. Marko, whose world champion pupil is known to be a real "sprint grouch".

"There's always a bit of chaos on weekends like this," says Verstappen. "I also find the classic format more exciting. After three practice sessions, you can get a lot more out of the car. That challenges you even more as a racing driver."

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Much praise for Perez
But Red Bull's number 2, Sergio Pérez, is also confident going into the fifth race of the season. "I was in Milton Keynes last week and tried to prepare myself optimally. The last few performances make me optimistic, I've shown how confident I am in this car," said Pérez, who is also receiving a lot of praise from the "Doctor" at the moment. "This is certainly Checo's best season so far, you can see that he wants to keep the seat in 2025," emphasized Dr. Marko.

Apart from the uncertainties of only one free practice session, Scuderia Ferrari is once again regarded as the Austrian racing team's fiercest rival. "With the exception of Mercedes, everyone has come closer, but the biggest threat is certainly coming from Ferrari with Carlos Sainz, who is in extremely good form," said the "Bulls'" Head of Motorsport.