Red Bull's Winning Streak: Can They Rewrite F1 History in Hungary?
Jul.11 - Dr Helmut Marko admits the risk is real that Max Verstappen will quit Formula 1.
The likely-in-2023 triple world champion actually has a contract through 2028, but Verstappen has warned that he could quit as the F1 calendar swells and the controversial new 2026 regulations loom.
"Max doesn't just say something like that," Red Bull's Marko told Osterreich newspaper.
"I hope he keeps his contract, which runs until 2028, to the very end. But who knows. Maybe one day he'll come and say 'Thanks, that's it'," he added.
Marko admitted that one of Verstappen's biggest concerns is the 2026 rules, after the Dutchman said he is worried the sport will turn into an "engine competition".
When asked if Red Bull's rivals must be hoping that Red Bull falters with its new Red Bull Powertrains project, though, 80-year-old Marko smiled: "I think that's wishful thinking.
"Let's see how everything develops. In 2026 there will be new regulations that could throw everything overboard," he admitted.
But for now, Verstappen and Red Bull seem to be breaking long-standing records at every single grand prix.
"I'll be surprised what they dig up next and I'm sure I'll be made aware of it," Marko smiled.
"Honestly, I would never have dared to dream that we would one day advance into these spheres. The Vettel years were already scary for me."
The next record can in fact be broken next time out in Hungary, where Red Bull can oust the utterly-dominant McLaren team of 1988 as owners of the longest winning streak in F1 history.
"We'll see how our car is doing in Budapest," Marko said. "We thought such a winning streak was unlikely, but we have to enjoy it while it lasts."
He admits Red Bull could end up with a full clean-sweep of victories in 2023.
"At Budapest we're only halfway," said Marko. "There's still a long way to go. But so far it's true."
Finally, Marko agreed with Verstappen that he's not too excited about the Formula 1 movie starring Brad Pitt that saw plenty of filming take place last weekend at Silverstone.
"It's not really my thing," Verstappen said.
"In the end, a movie is to create a bit of a show, because of course not everything is going to be real.
"I think they're going to use some shots from around the world and onboard cameras and things, but actually I'm not very interested," he added.
Marko agrees: "I was in a meeting until just before the start and didn't even realise that a movie car was said to have stopped on the installation lap.
"I really liked the Niki Lauda film, but otherwise I prefer to experience the whole thing live."
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We know Max has the capability, so as as long as the RB car remains reliable there is no reason why they won't continue to dominate as McLaren did in 1988. There being many more races held now compared to 1988, it will be easy to surpass the number of wins in a season by McLaren.
I agree with Max. The movie is a fictional show, nothing to do with the reality of what really happens. I'm not at all interested in the movie either, I prefer to see the real thing!
Also uninterested in the film, sorry *Completely Uninterested*
Definitely
Still thinking there's a good chance of RB winning ever race this season, even with Perez, although it would be odds on with anybody else including brad pit!
One numbnut comment out o four. You choose.
To point, of course RB/VER will rewrite some records this year. It's been almost 20 years since the best driver and the best team were united. No stopping these guys, they are the best. Re the movie, we had this hype when Ron Howard had his rush. The challenge with racing movies is not special effects, but capturing the emotional extremes in our sport. 'Le Mans' came the closest, mostly because McQueen understood and conveyed emotion in his facial expressions.
You are absolutely correct about "Le Mans", ROR. However, that film was made during the actual race, Steve McQueen was a racer himself, and not a bad one either! He was actually competing in the real race while it was filmed, so that made it even more realistic!
Cast your mind back to the '60's, and the film "Grand Prix" with James Garner. It wasn't a bad movie, although it lacked realism! It seems they are trying to recreate "Grand Prix" with this new venture.
Just thinking that next year will be 30 years since Ayrton Senna's tragic incident. Time passes so fast! Imagine what he would have achieved in the Red Bull of today!
Smokey, I was gonna' let this one slide, but I can't let racing misinformation get out there. McQ did not race at LeMans. His insurance company refused coverage. Still, he GOT it, right from the opening shots driving to the track.
Perfect analysis of 'Grand Prix'. Frankenheimer's split screen stuff was worth the admission price. Not so fun fact....over 30 F1 drivers appeared in that film. Over half of them died in wrecks within 5 years. Ah yes, the good old days. Sad. smh
I suppose you know, although Steve McQueen did compete in motor racing using the alias Harvey Mushman in races. I actually have the DVD of Le Mans with Steve McQueen, and it does really look as though he was driving in the race, and stories at the time said he took part in the race. Maybe promotional rumours at the time!
You are correct about the Grand Prix movie. 33 racing drivers participated in the making of Grand Prix. 18 of them were killed during races within a few years of the film Grand Prix's release. A number of them died in flaming wrecks. Thank heavens drivers' safety has gone to where it is today!