Marko: Making Verstappen champion in 2020 "a must" for Red Bull
F1 News
- Nicolás Quarles van Ufford
Aston Martin Red Bull Racing advisor Helmut Marko has said making his star driver Max Verstappen champion in 2020 is "a must", with the Anglo-Austrian team determined to make their golden boy the youngest champion of all time.
That record is currently held by a certain Sebastian Vettel, who was crowned champion in 2010 aged just 23 years and 134 days. Verstappen turned 22 last month, meaning he'll have to become champion either this season or next season to break that record.
Another point of interest is that 2020 is also the last year in Verstappen's contract, and there have been murmurings of the seven-time Grand Prix winner looking around for other teams should he not be happy where Red Bull are going.
"It's the last year we can make Max the youngest champion in F1," Marko told Motorsport.com.
"We have to get it together for next year. We know that. It's in our DNA to win. It's not crucial but it's a must [to get the title with Verstappen next season]."
When asked how exactly he plans on doing this, the Austrian explained how their package will improve in order to take on Ferrari and Mercedes.
"In terms of the chassis, I think we'll be much better prepared than we were this season. And based on the progress Honda are making, we believe we can consistently be on Mercedes' and Ferrari's level next year in terms of power."