Marko predicts Hamilton Verstappen "fireworks"

Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Helmut Marko has insisted the firstthree corners of the Hungarian Grand Prix will be "critical" forLewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen to avoid "fireworks". The 2021 F1title protagonists line up alongside each other on the front row ofthe grid for the first time since that year's finale at Abu Dhabiafter Mercedes driver Hamilton stunned his rival to clinch pole byjust 0.003secs. A controversial clash at the British Grand Prix twoyears ago, where Verstappen was fired into the barriers at Copse,followed a number of near misses at the first corner that year andsince then, collisions at Monza and Saudi Arabia that season and inBrazil last term have left the rivalry with lingering tension.Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff warned both drivers have nothingto lose given the current championship standings, though concededRed Bull's race pace dictates a likely outcome in favour ofVerstappen. Addressing the potential for drama, Marko told SkySport DE : "The first three corners are critical at the start. Thecombination of Lewis and Max often creates fireworks." Very strongVerstappen has struggled with rear-end stability throughout theweekend but despite this, the RB19 remained in control based onpractice long-run pace. But high temperatures could lead to a racedominated by strategy, with Pirelli opting for a tyre allocation astep softer than previous years. "In the long runs, we were verystrong and the fastest," added Marko. "However, we are in Hungaryand overtaking is difficult here. It will be even warmer and maybewe will see a three or four-stopper, a lot is possible. "We havetwo cars in the top 10 and possibly that can help."