Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko believes Max Verstappen can become Formula 1 world champion in 2017, contrary to the opinion of Max’s father Jos.Earlier this week, Jos Verstappen said of his 19-year-old son: “Of course there is talk of a world title. But my personal opinion is that it is still a year too early.”
But Marko, speaking in an interview on Dutch TV, thinks that 2017 can be Max’s year.“Max is ready,” said Marko. “We think he’s more experienced, he will be now in his third season [in F1].”
Talking on the subject of Verstappen’s risk-taking driving style, Marko added: “His risk will [be] an advantage, because other people know: ‘When Max is coming, be careful, he will overtake you, so don’t do anything stupid’.
“And the risk will be less of a risk. You know, he had some hairy moments.
“But he had only one crash, that was in Monte Carlo. No… in Monte Carlo he had three, so he did everything in one race [weekend]! But at the rest he was in control.”
Ricciardo also in the mix
Marko believes both Verstappen and teammate Daniel Ricciardo, who finished third in the 2016 drivers’ championship, can challenge Mercedes for the top spot this season.
“So another year of experience and a good car, I think both of our drivers can fight for the title,” he added.
“Don’t forget Ricciardo, he’s also a very competitive, very strong driver – and as a pairing, or as a pair of really competitive drivers – we believe we can fight for the championship.”
Red Bull launches its eagerly-anticipated F1 2017 contender in Barcelona on Sunday