Marko praises: 'Verstappen is the best driver on the grid'

"This is the first year that we are on equal grounds in terms of engine," Marko said in conversation with the Dutch Telegraaf. "Then it comes down to the chassis and the driver. You have to remember that in the past Max always had to take more risks. Mercedes will fight back, but we have proven that we can be competitive at any circuit."

Besides the stronger material, the Austrian argues that Verstappen is in top form this year: "Max is in great shape, he's the fastest driver on the grid at the moment. And he always wants it to be perfect, that's Max Verstappen."

Damage by kerbs

In his opinion, the damage to Hamilton's car was caused by the Briton taking the kerbs too aggressively, something Verstappen stayed away from. "For a long time there was no pressure on Hamilton. There is now, and we are increasing that pressure. I think Lewis made a mistake by damaging his car, presumably on the kerbstones. We stayed away from that."