Helmut Marko, veteran advisor to Red Bull Racing, revealed he began believing in Max Verstappen’s chances of clinching the 2025 Formula 1 drivers’ championship after the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Despite a difficult weekend in Mexico City where Red Bull’s RB21 struggled with ride height issues causing the car to bottom out, Marko remained optimistic about Verstappen’s potential to mount a comeback.

Marko highlighted Verstappen’s trademark resilience and racecraft as pivotal, noting that once Max is on the track, he “forgets everything and just goes.”

With four races remaining, Marko stressed the importance of perfection across each event to capitalize on the 116 points still available.​

Overcoming Adversity in Mexico City

Verstappen’s Mexico Grand Prix performance showcased his determination despite initial setbacks. Starting fifth on the grid, Verstappen struggled in qualifying due to technical issues with ride height causing instability, especially through Turn 9.

Red Bull’s riskier setup hurt his outright pace but the team believed this would be less impactful during race conditions. Marko credited Verstappen’s strong second stint on soft tires for salvaging a podium finish, consistently hitting lap times within half a tenth of a second.

The Dutch driver’s ability to fight through adversity has been a hallmark of his career, and Marko believes it was on full display in Mexico City, reinforcing his belief that a title charge is still possible.​

The Road Ahead for Verstappen and Red Bull

With the championship gap narrowed to 36 points behind leader Lando Norris and second-place Oscar Piastri, Verstappen faces an uphill battle. Marko urges relentless focus and flawless execution, acknowledging that the margin for error is now razor-thin.

The team remains confident that their car and driver are competitive across various circuits, with particular hope placed on upcoming races, including Brazil, where weather conditions such as rain could favor Verstappen’s aggressive driving style.

Marko’s upbeat tone contrasts with earlier skepticism and serves as a rallying call as Verstappen fights to add a fifth world title to his legacy.