Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko has joked that it’ll be an expensive night for Red Bull if Max Verstappen clinches the Drivers’ Championship next weekend at the Qatar Grand Prix, due to how expensive alcohol is in the Middle East nation.
Following on from his victory last weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen can claim his third consecutive title in Qatar next weekend, before the race even takes place.
Verstappen could seal the championship in the upcoming sprint race at the Losail International Circuit, something which is expected based on Sergio Perez’s recent form in Singapore and Japan.
Marko is hopeful that the Dutchman will secure the title in Qatar but is wary how expensive the afterparty will be.
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“Hopefully in Doha [Verstappen will win],” Marko told Austrian broadcaster ORF. “But it will be expensive; alcohol prices are incredibly high.”
Verstappen’s win last weekend actually secured Red Bull the Constructors’ Championship, with the team having celebrated the achievement at a bar in Tokyo.
Red Bull have been absolutely imperious this season, with the only negative of their campaign having been their 15-race winning streak concluding in Singapore.
Other than that, the Austrians have been unbeatable, mostly due to Verstappen’s supreme speed and consistency.
Of Red Bull’s 15 consecutive wins, 13 were claimed by Verstappen, with Perez being responsible for just two of them.
Team principal Christian Horner is immensely proud of the team’s achievement but admits that the title wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for the “hard work” behind-the-scenes.
“Once again it was a phenomenal performance from the team,” Horner said after the Japanese GP, as reported by The Mirror.
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“I have been saying it all year, but really, this kind of season would be impossible without the hard work that goes on behind the scenes from all the different departments both back at Milton Keynes and here at track.
“From the crazy hours that they work through to the relentless pursuit for better, it is a true team effort and one to be immensely proud of.
“So that is 6 for us and an amazing moment for the team. We will take tonight to celebrate and regroup tomorrow as we look towards Qatar and a possible driver Championship.
“Only a Red Bull driver can win it now so there will be more celebrations to come in what can only be described as a monumental season in the team’s history! Ichiban Oracle Red Bull Racing.”