Max Verstappen blew his chance to extend his lead on Lewis Hamilton at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Although the crash was the result of a rear tire blowout, it looked calamitous, with the Dutchman spinning into the wall on the final straight.

Although they took 25 points from Baku thanks to Sergio Perez, the damage to Verstappen’s car cost them dearly. Red Bull advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko, outlines the damage done to the car, along with describing how Verstappen’s DNF affects him and the team.

Limited damage from Verstappen’s crash is a relief: Marko

A high-speed crash, more often than not, causes catastrophic damage to an F1 car. Although Verstappen dominated in Baku, his disastrous crash in Lap 47 left him notching his first DNF of the season.

With his left rear tire giving up, the Dutchman lost control of the car, causing him to spin on the final straight and hitting the barriers on his right.

Trending

F1 Rumor: Adrian Newey to Join Ferrari, Leaving Red Bull Amid Christian Horner-Helmut Marko Fiasco

April 25, 2024 05:55 PM EDT

Liam Lawson’s Surprise Contract Clause Threatens Daniel Ricciardo’s RB Seat

April 24, 2024 11:15 AM EDT

What Is Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino? Significance of Ferrari’s Historic Change to a Blue Livery for Miami GP

April 24, 2024 04:52 PM EDT

Daniel Ricciardo To Be Replaced by Liam Lawson After Miami, F1 Pundit Dishes Out Harsh Verdict After Australian’s “Amateur Mistake”

April 17, 2024 11:14 AM EDT

“[Charles] Leclerc Doesn’t Care About Ferrari”: F1 Insider’s Brutal Blow to Fred Vasseur & Co. Has Racing Community Lashing Out

April 24, 2024 05:00 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

In an interview with Auto Motor Sport, Marko expressed relief over the limited damage to Verstappen’s car after the crash. He said, “Thank goodness the damage is limited because Verstappen hit a spot where there is a bulge on the track. This gave him a little more run-off area.” (Quotes translated by Google)

When asked whether the team billed Pirelli for the crash, Marko had a simple response. “No, we didn’t, because unfortunately it is theoretically not possible,” said the Austrian.

Who Owns the Red Bull F1 Team?

Marko: Four-point lead to Max Verstappen doesn’t reflect our strength this season

Although Verstappen crashed out in Baku, his title rival Lewis Hamilton finished P15, which meant the Dutchman kept his four-point lead intact. However, Marko believes Red Bull look much better than the gap in the driver’s championship shows right now.

The 78-year-old said, “We are the fastest combination. Car plus driver. But we’re only four points ahead. That doesn’t reflect our strength. With the luck that Mercedes has, you have to be happy at every point by which you can break away.”

With the championship battle headed to Le Castellet, Red Bull need to be wary of Mercedes‘ threat in the French Grand Prix. Can the Austrian outfit remain at the top of both championships after June 20th?

WATCH STORY: What Are Sprint Races & Where Will They Be Held?