Helmut Marko, a key figure in Red Bull’s F1 team, learned a valuable lesson in 2023 about never betting against Max Verstappen. Last year, Marko placed a €500 bet against Verstappen during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, not expecting him to achieve pole position. However, Verstappen defied expectations, bouncing back from a slow third practice session to secure pole, winning Marko the bet with Christian Horner. Marko admitted he had underestimated Verstappen’s ability, admitting, “I should have known Max!” Verstappen, in turn, humorously remarked that Marko had learned his lesson to never bet against him again.
Despite the loss in Abu Dhabi, Marko continued to back Verstappen’s talent, even betting on him in the early stages of the 2024 season. In Bahrain, Marko wagered €50 with Verstappen’s race engineer, GianPiero Lambiase, on whether Verstappen could secure pole position. Verstappen emerged victorious, with Marko winning the bet but having to share half of the €50 with the driver due to Verstappen’s “tough negotiating” skills. Marko found the situation amusing, further proving his belief in Verstappen’s abilities.
The next major bet came at the Brazilian Grand Prix, where Verstappen started the race in 17th position. Marko and Lambiase once again made a wager, with Marko betting that Verstappen would make it to the podium, while Lambiase disagreed. Verstappen not only made it to the podium but dominated the race, winning by a staggering 20 seconds. Marko admitted that he had only predicted a podium finish, not expecting the win, which Verstappen had delivered with an exceptional drive in wet conditions. Marko noted that Verstappen always strives to do better than expected.
Marko’s assessment of Verstappen’s performance in Brazil was glowing. He described the Dutch driver as being “in a world of his own” when he had a clear run, executing “sensational overtaking manoeuvres.” Marko also praised Verstappen for his composure and skill, particularly in wet conditions, but revealed that he himself had called for the race to be stopped during the heavy rain. Marko felt it was dangerous to continue, as the rain made the track conditions perilous. Despite this, Verstappen managed to excel in the wet conditions, further solidifying his reputation as one of the sport’s most talented drivers.
With Verstappen’s dominant performance in Brazil and his 62-point lead over Lando Norris, Marko acknowledged that Verstappen’s fourth World Championship title was now “within reach,” with only three races remaining in the season. The Brazilian Grand Prix victory not only strengthened Verstappen’s position in the championship but also reinforced Marko’s unwavering faith in the driver’s exceptional abilities. It seems that Marko, having learned his lesson from 2023, will no longer doubt Verstappen’s ability to defy expectations.