Red Bull Executive Admits Worrying Situation if Max Verstappen Wins F1 Title in Qatar
By Jeremiah Santos
(Photo : Mark Thompson/Getty Images) ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS - Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Red Bull Racing Team Consultant Dr. Helmut Marko in the garage during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of The Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort on August 26, 2023 in Zandvoort, Netherlands.
Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Helmut Marko admitted that reigning champion Max Verstappen clinching his third Formula One Drivers' champion in a row in the Qatar Grand Prix.
The 80-year-old executive spoke to Austrian TV station ORF, saying that his worry is not about the victory but the potential impact on Red Bull's celebration expenses.
"It will be expensive; alcohol prices are incredibly high," Marko quipped.
The controversial advisor added that the high cost of alcohol in Qatar, due to being a conservative country, could potentially impact the team's budget cap.
Meanwhile, Verstappen Marko's concerns in a stoic manner.
"I think that's the last thing we have to worry about," the 25-year-old said.
Red Bull fined $7 million for breaching the $145 million cost cap by 1.6 percent, or about $2 million, during the 2021 season.
The reigning Constructors' champion attributed the excess cost to food catering for the whole team.
How could Max Verstappen clinch the world title in Qatar?
The Dutchman only needs three more points to secure the 2023 Formula One Drivers' Championship, and he could be crowned as early as the Sprint Race on Saturday, October 7, at the Losail International Circuit.
Verstappen sixth place finish at the very minimum, regardless of where second place and teammate Sergio Perez finishes to become a three-time F1 champion, with the main Qatar Grand Prix race still set for Sunday.
