Marko Details Why Verstappen Missed Out on Pole to Russell

Marko Details Why Verstappen Missed Out on Pole to Russell

Keywords: Formula 1, Max Verstappen, George Russell, Pole Position, Bahrain Grand Prix

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has explained why Max Verstappen missed out on pole position to George Russell in qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Russell claimed pole for Mercedes on Saturday with a stunning lap around the Sakhir circuit, beating Verstappen by just 0.044 seconds.

Marko believes that Verstappen’s mistake at Turn 10, where he ran wide and lost time, cost him pole.

“He made a mistake at Turn 10. He went a bit wide and lost some time there,” Marko told Sky Sports.

“With the new cars, the limits are very narrow. You can’t afford to lose any time. That was the difference.”

Marko also praised Russell’s performance, saying that he “drove a fantastic lap.”

“He’s a very talented driver. He’s already shown that in the past,” Marko said.

“I think he can be a contender for the championship this year. He’s got a good car and he’s got the talent.”

Verstappen will start Sunday’s race in second place, alongside Russell. Sergio Perez will start in third for Red Bull, while Fernando Alonso will start in fourth for Alpine.