Helmut Marko: Red Bull benefit from rivals lack of “consistency”

Jaden Diaz
12/06/2024

Red Bull are still in a strong position to win the Championship, believes Helmut Marko. The 81-year-old is confident that Max Verstappen can win races at the upcoming sequence of more traditional circuits. Even with rivals progressing, Marko keeps faith in “the Verstappen factor” for the remainder of 2024.

In many ways, the last few races have shown the extent of Verstappen’s abilities. Despite rivals having comparable or even faster cars, he continues to win races at a highly impressive rate.

Canada was another unpredictable, tricky race where he emerged victorious. Of course, the Safety Car timing was helpful. Still, the Dutchman’s speed and consistency are why he is at the right place at the right time so regularly.

Marko: Red Bull more consistent than F1 rivals

Helmut Marko is perhaps the biggest believer in the three-time World Champion’s calibre. Speaking to oe24 after the Canadian GP, he assessed the state of play at the front:

“It won’t be a clear story because our car and our simulator have certain weaknesses.

“But we are working hard to fix that. We have always known that we won’t win every race.

“It is good for us that the others cannot achieve consistency. If everything goes normally for us, Max will be ahead in the race.”

MONTREAL, QUEBEC – JUNE 08: Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Consultant Dr Helmut Marko arrives into the Paddock prior to final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on June 08, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202406080255 // Usage for editorial use only //

To some degree, there is merit in this analysis. Ferrari, for example, are still struggling with tyre warm-up at circuits with a lower track temperature. This was costly in China and again in Canada – two events where Red Bull extended their advantage over the Maranello squad.

Mercedes, meanwhile, have a lot to prove. The W15 was excellent in Montreal, but the circuit layout and cool temperatures played directly into its hands. In the next few rounds, the car designed by James Allison still has many questions to answer.

However, such doubts do not surround the McLaren MCL38. The car produced in Woking performs at an excellent level at virtually any venue. Since their upgrades in Miami, they have been more than a match for the reigning Champions.

Luckily for Red Bull, they have the luxury of a 92-point gap over McLaren. That said, the Austrian team must prevent Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri from gaining more ground. Momentum is on their side.

While Red Bull’s advantage is significant, they cannot continue relying on Verstappen to carry the burden alone at the front.

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