Helmut Marko reveals Max Verstappen's displeasure at Charles Leclerc not getting penalized in the F1 Spanish GP

The 2025 Spanish Grand Prix did not pan out in favor of the reigning world champion, Max Verstappen, who had an eventful outing at the Barcelona track. In line with this, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has recently taken the time to talk about Verstappen's incident with Charles Leclerc.

At the race restart during the latter half of the race, Leclerc overtook Verstappen on lap 61 and slightly nudged the Dutchman's car. Verstappen was not pleased with the Monegasque's antics and revealed his frustration via team radio.

Helmut Marko, while interacting with oe24, talked about Verstappen's displeasure at Leclerc not getting penalized.

"But when you have to drive with your teeth like he has this year, everything is just more difficult. Although, in Max's defense, ServusTV showed very clear footage on Monday of Max being hit by Leclerc in Barcelona at 300 km/h. But nothing happened. Of course, that upsets him, too," Marko said.

Max Verstappen ended the 66-lap Spanish Grand Prix in P10 following contact with Mercedes' George Russell.

Helmut Marko's take on the 'Max Verstappen factor' in F1

While Helmut Marko touched upon Max Verstappen's woes at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, he also gave his take on the 'Verstappen factor' in the sport.

Marko insisted that for the four-time F1 world champion to sparkle his magic in 2025, he needs a car at par or closer to the performance levels of McLaren's challengers.

"But not against such a strong opponent. The McLarens are strong on every track. But you're right: The car has to be competitive, then the Max will take care of the rest." Marko said in the same interview.

Verstappen has dominated the ongoing ground-effect era in Formula 1. He has amassed four consecutive titles since 2021, and it is only this year that Red Bull's car has not been able to match his expectations.

As things stand, Verstappen is currently in third place in the 2025 drivers' standings. He has so far amassed 137 points, compared to second-placed Lando Norris's 176 and the championship leader, Oscar Piastri's 186.

Next up on the 2025 race calendar is Round 10, the Canadian Grand Prix, which will take place around the picturesque Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Interestingly, Max Verstappen won the 2024 edition of the 70-lap race, with Lando Norris and Mercedes' George Russell finishing in second and third place, respectively.

Considering the intense title fight this year, quite a few eyes will be on Norris, Verstappen, and Piastri during next week's three-day race weekend.