Max Verstappen has dominated Formula 1 this year and Red Bull won the constructors’ championship in Japan.
Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko believes Max Verstappen’s tire management has improved significantly this season, to the point that only Lewis Hamilton can match him in this area .
Hamilton has always been praised for his incredible tire maintenance, most recently seen at the Singapore Grand Prix just over a week ago, where he was the fastest driver on track.
Marko believes Verstappen is now as good as the seven-time world champion when it comes to tire wear management, an area where Ferrari particularly struggles. Ferrari has had major tire maintenance problems this season, causing them to lose many points throughout the season.
Verstappen doesn’t have the same problems, which allows him to profit from the misfortunes of others.
His tire management skills were once again excellent last weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix, where he claimed his 13th win of the season.
The reigning world champion bounced back from his misfortunes in Singapore with a dominant performance that took him as close to a third consecutive drivers’ championship title as he could have won in water racing. upcoming withdrawal in Qatar.
Marko chatted post-race about the 25-year-old’s progress in 2023, with his tire preservation impressing the Austrian.
He has improved in terms of pure speed and he seems to carry out his performance with utmost ease. It’s really amazing,” Marko told Sky Germany.
“Also, I think he has gradually become the best at managing his tires. He drives sharp and fast but still maintains complete control. I think perhaps only Lewis Hamilton has achieved this to a similar degree.
Verstappen’s win on Sunday was his second in a row at Suzuka, helping Red Bull win the constructors’ championship.
He described his weekend as “incredible”, while also emphasizing that he was “so proud” of the whole team and their huge efforts. “Great weekend. Winning here is amazing. The car performed very well on all compounds,” said Verstappen.
“The most important thing is to win over the manufacturers. Very proud for everyone who works on the track and in the factory. We are having an incredible year.
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