Max Verstappen has eliminated what was once seen as Lewis Hamilton’s tyre management advantage, according to long-time Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko. Marko’s remarks highlight how Verstappen has developed this key Formula 1 skill since their intense rivalry during the 2021 season, underlining a vital shift in the ongoing battle for F1 supremacy.
Verstappen Outgrows Previous Weakness Against Hamilton
Back in 2021, Helmut Marko acknowledged that Lewis Hamilton had a slight edge over Max Verstappen when it came to managing tyres, a critical aspect of Formula 1 racing strategy and performance. Marko stated that this “handicap” persisted through a dramatic season marked by razor-thin performance gaps between Mercedes and Red Bull, but he now argues that Verstappen has not only addressed this area, he has turned it into a non-issue. Verstappen’s capacity to extract pace from the car while carefully managing tyre temperatures is seen as instrumental in his subsequent dominance.
Marko appeared on the ‘Beyond the Grid’ podcast before his Red Bull departure, where he reflected on this transformation. He noted the evolution in Verstappen’s focus and approach, asserting that the Dutch driver’s persistent growth enabled him to outperform Hamilton in areas that previously favored the British champion.
“But he’s definitely one of the greatest.”
– Helmut Marko, Red Bull Advisor
Marko emphasized how Verstappen’s commitment and relentless improvement have rendered the tyre management “handicap” obsolete, highlighting the driver’s ability to maintain consistent lap times while responding to car and tyre feedback. He observed that Verstappen’s performance lap by lap was now within just a tenth, and even minor technical requests, such as lowering left-rear tyre temperatures, were executed without loss of speed—something once out of his reach compared to Hamilton.
“So he also learned this feeling for the tyres, which was, I would say, in ’21, a handicap, because in this area, Hamilton was a bit better than him.”
– Helmut Marko, Red Bull Advisor
Championship Success and Red Bull’s Greatest Drivers
After Verstappen’s narrow title win in 2021, the Dutchman’s performances propelled him to four straight World Championships, falling shy of a fifth consecutive crown by just two points in 2025. This period marked a clear shift in Formula 1’s balance of power, with the “Lewis Hamilton era” giving way to Verstappen’s reign at Red Bull Racing. This has led Marko to place Verstappen alongside former Red Bull sensation Sebastian Vettel in the team’s pantheon.
“Of course, Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel.”
– Helmut Marko, Red Bull Advisor
Marko was willing, however, to acknowledge the differences in character and method between the team’s championship-winning stars. He expressed skepticism as to whether Vettel and Verstappen—each four-time champions for Red Bull—could have thrived as teammates, citing significant differences in approach, mindset, and their willingness to challenge conventions within the team.
Commitment Sets Verstappen Apart
According to Marko, Verstappen’s unrivalled dedication is central to his success. He described Verstappen as a model figure outside the cockpit, but noted the transformation once behind the wheel, where the Dutchman’s appetite for risk and unwillingness to accommodate others marks him as a pure racer. Marko recognized Verstappen’s habit of flying home to race in virtual eSports competitions even after Formula 1 victories as evidence of this relentless competitive drive. Key moments like his bold moves at tracks such as Imola reinforce the perception of an uncompromising athlete committed to extracting the maximum from every opportunity.
“So his commitment is an absolute one.”
– Helmut Marko, Red Bull Advisor
Comparing Vettel and Verstappen’s Talents
Marko drew parallels between Verstappen and Vettel regarding mental resilience, but noted their contrasting approaches. Vettel’s early years were characterized by meticulous attention to technical specifics, often working closely with engineers on minor details—a trait Marko compared to legendary driver Ayrton Senna. Marko noted both drivers’ unique strengths and how mental fortitude allowed for comeback victories, such as Vettel clawing back a significant points deficit to win the 2013 championship over Fernando Alonso.
“I remember 2013, we were around, I think, 40 points behind Alonso, and we still won the championship.”
– Helmut Marko, Red Bull Advisor
Both drivers, according to Marko, exhibited the ego and competitive fire required to achieve championship status. He referenced Vettel’s controversial moments, such as the ‘Multi-21’ team orders dispute and his collision with Mark Webber at the 2010 Turkish Grand Prix, as the kind of uncompromising racing required of true champions.
“He was a racer, and if you want to be champion, you are not a gentleman driver,”
– Helmut Marko, Red Bull Advisor
“So of course, the ego is so big, and you have to be like that to win a championship.”
– Helmut Marko, Red Bull Advisor
Legacy and Forward Outlook for Red Bull
Vettel’s later moves to Ferrari and Aston Martin did not yield new championships, and he retired at the end of 2022 with four titles and 53 Grand Prix victories. Verstappen, meanwhile, has taken up the torch at Red Bull, establishing himself as the team’s central figure and primary hope for continued Formula 1 success.
The strides Verstappen has made, particularly in tyre management, have not only erased any lingering doubts about his rivalry with Hamilton, but have also further solidified his reputation as one of the sport’s premier talents. The ongoing evolution of Verstappen—set against the backdrop of a changing Formula 1 landscape and the team’s ongoing pursuit of technical and strategic excellence—suggests Red Bull will remain at the forefront of the championship conversation for years to come.
