Verstappen regains motivation: Marko reveals interest in GT and return to F1

Red Bull Motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has revealed that Max Verstappen, although he experienced a decrease in his motivation at the beginning of the season, has regained his enthusiasm and is fully focused on the pursuit of his fifth Formula 1 drivers’ championship. Verstappen, after reducing the distance with the championship leader, Oscar Piastri, to 55 points in the sprint race of the United States Grand Prix and securing pole position for Sunday’s race, remains a contender in the fight for this year’s title. Verstappen’s impressive performance in Austin comes after two victories and a second place in the last three races, thanks to the improvements and adjustments made by Red Bull to their 2025 single-seater.

Max, at a stage when we weren’t competitive, I’d say he lost a bit of interest. He was more interested in GT racing, so to keep him in a good mood, I’d talk to him about Nurburgring and things like that.

Helmut Marko

Marko believes that Verstappen, at one point, lost a bit of interest in the title fight due to the lack of performance. However, the four-time champion returned with renewed energy after his victory in a GT3 race at Nurburgring in September. According to Marko, Verstappen’s motivation has been revitalized, which translates into an improvement in performance. “Two tenths came from him because he is really motivated, he is enjoying F1. You don’t hear him shouting, he’s smiling, and that’s what you need.”

When asked if Verstappen is still in the fight for the title with six races remaining, Marko replied: “It’s too early to say, but this weekend looks promising.” Verstappen reduced Piastri’s lead in the championship with his victory in Saturday’s sprint race, before securing pole position ahead of Lando Norris for Sunday’s race. When asked if he believed in his title chances, the defending champion stated that it was not the time to focus on the points difference.

It’s not about believing in it, I just take it race by race. I try to give my best.

Max Verstappen

Verstappen added: “Today, yes, it was perfect for me to get those points. It brings me a little closer, for sure. Which I think is good for everyone. Maybe not for them, but in general for everyone.” And he continued: “But yes, I look at different things. I wasn’t entirely happy with the pace in the race, and I know that if we want to win tomorrow, we have to be better. And that’s what I’ll focus on.”