Marko clarifies:

“Max will drive where he has the best car”

Max Verstappen under the "champagne shower"

(Bild: ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez were never in danger in Suzuka during Red Bull's 31st one-two victory. Head of Motorsport Dr. Helmut Marko showered the world champion with roses and highlighted the "incredible team performance". Carlos Sainz was also happy.

Japan remains "bull country"! Team Principal Christian Horner, Motorsport Advisor Dr. Helmut Marko and designer guru Adrian Newey stood shoulder to shoulder at the foot of the podium, where Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez celebrated the 31st one-two victory in the history of the Austrian racing team with a relaxed champagne shower.

At least at that moment, the topic of Horner's controversial affair (inappropriate behavior towards a female employee) seemed to have faded away. Dr. Marko smiled: "When it comes to the race, everything will be fine."

"Showed again who the master is"
And how! Verstappen also took a commanding lead at the re-start (a red flag was shown after a collision between Albon and Ricciardo) and controlled the fourth race of the season at will. "The car got better and better over the course of the race, especially before the second stint we made a few adjustments to the set-up, and that helped," said the three-time world champion, who took his third win in a row on the Suzuka International Course, the 57th of his career. The "Flying Dutchman" also broke the 3,000-lap lead mark and increased his hat-trick account (pole position, GP win and fastest race lap) to 13, ahead of only Michael Schumacher (22) and Lewis Hamilton (19). "Max is only 26, there's still a lot to come," said a delighted Dr. Marko, who also happily noted: "He set the fastest lap on the old tire and once again showed who the champion is."

"Team performance was incredible"
And the head of motorsport also put a definitive end to any rumors of Verstappen switching drivers. "Max will drive where he has the best car - and that is Red Bull Racing at the moment." A casual statement from the Dutchman underlined just how strong the RB20 is: "It was a lot of fun, we were faster than the others, which is always positive. And I think we would have won even with three stops." Dr. Marko also liked that: "The team performance was incredible, and the tire choice was right too."

Dr. Helmut Marko

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Checo Pérez ensured the perfect weekend from a Red Bull perspective, taking his 38th podium finish and moving up to second place in the championship standings. "I have good momentum. The re-start was good, but unfortunately it wasn't enough to catch Max."

Melbourne winner Carlos Sainz (3rd) is also riding high: "I'm happy, I was able to push really well at the end."