Verstappen Regains Motivation: Marko Reveals Interest in the F1 Title

AUSTIN, Texas – Helmut Marko, Red Bull Motorsport advisor, has revealed that Max Verstappen, the current champion, experienced a decrease in his motivation at the beginning of the season. However, Marko assures that the Dutch driver has regained his enthusiasm and is fully focused on the pursuit of his fifth Formula 1 championship. Verstappen, after reducing the gap with the championship leader, Oscar Piastri, to 55 points in Saturday’s sprint race at the United States Grand Prix, and obtaining pole position for Sunday’s race, remains a contender in the fight for this year’s title. The outstanding performance in Austin comes after two victories and a second place in the last three races, an achievement that coincides with the improvements and adjustments made by Red Bull to their single-seater for 2025. Marko suggests that Verstappen, at one point, lost interest in the fight for the championship due to performance issues. However, the advisor highlights that the driver returned with renewed energy after his victory in a GT3 race at Nürburgring in September.

Max, at a time when we were not competitive, I would say he lost a bit of interest. He was more interested in GT racing, so to keep him in a good mood, I would talk to him about Nürburgring and things like that.

Helmut Marko

Marko added that the car’s performance and success at the Nürburgring have revitalized Verstappen, who now shows renewed motivation.

When asked about Verstappen’s chances in the championship with six races to go, Marko replied that it’s too early to make predictions, but that the weekend looks promising. Verstappen cut eight points from Piastri’s lead after his victory in Saturday’s sprint race, and secured pole position for Sunday’s race. The defending champion commented that it is not the time to focus too much on the points difference, preferring to face each race with the same intensity.

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

Max Verstappen

Verstappen expressed his satisfaction with the points obtained in the sprint race, although he noted that he will seek to improve the pace for Sunday’s race.