Crimson Bull adviser Dr Helmut Marko has delivered a blunt evaluation of the 2025 Method 1 hierarchy post-Bahrain testing.
Red Bull adviser Dr Helmut Marko has delivered a blunt evaluation of the 2025 Method 1 hierarchy post-Bahrain testing.
“(Lando) Norris is in entrance, behind him is Max (Verstappen), then it is Ferrari with (Charles) Leclerc and Mercedes,” Marko advised Auto Bild.
Two-time champion Mika Hakkinen aligns with the paddock consensus, tipping McLaren’s Norris as Melbourne’s favorite. “I believe Lando is able to win,” he advised Corriere dello Sport.
“The query is what classes he realized within the title battle final yr. Making errors isn’t any disgrace, however velocity alone will not be sufficient to win. Simply take a look at Max—he gained final yr though the event of his automotive was not good.”
Hakkinen predicts a good 2025 battle within the ultimate yr of present guidelines. “I may spend a complete day explaining why one driver may prevail over the opposite,” he mentioned.
For quadruple champion Verstappen, he sees a psychological hurdle. “It actually will not be straightforward for him mentally,” Hakkinen famous. “From the surface you possibly can see the races, the assessments and the interviews, however exterior the highlight quite a lot of work can be required. You additionally must know how you can cope with the stress and the criticism.”
But he lauded Verstappen’s resilience. “Max is aware of what is required and he delivers,” he mentioned.
“And if I see a comparability with myself, Verstappen additionally has to ship in a Method 1 period that is stuffed with expertise—from (Lewis) Hamilton to Norris and from (George) Russell to Leclerc. Max deserves quite a lot of respect for that.”
