Helmut Marko has downplayed the growing threat posed by rival F1 teams. Despite Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes closing the gap to Red Bull, the 81-year-old is confident in securing both Championships. Not only does Marko believe other teams lack consistency, but he is optimistic about the next RB20 upgrades.
In the last four rounds, F1’s leading group has expanded and intensified. The seemingly unassailable Red Bull have shown weaknesses, while the chasing pack has made considerable steps forward.
Even with the upgrades Red Bull introduced in Japan and Imola, their advantage at the front is shrinking. This is further highlighted by Sergio Perez’s inability to match the efforts of his teammate.
Helmut Marko: Promising upgrades arriving at Red Bull
Despite this changing landscape, Helmut Marko sees no reason to panic about the situation:
“I believe we are on the right track to make progress soon in terms of front suspension,” he wrote on SpeedWeek.
“The three upcoming races in Spain, Austria and England will give us a more accurate picture of the current status of the various racing cars.
“These are classic tracks, while we have some atypical circuits behind us – Miami, Imola, Monaco, Montreal.”

MONTREAL, QUEBEC – JUNE 09: Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing, Second placed Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren and Third placed George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes celebrate on the podium after the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on June 09, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202406091119 // Usage for editorial use only //
Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren have all recognised this. In theory, the reigning Champions should be stronger in the upcoming sequence of rounds.
Of course, this does not mean things will be plain sailing. Red Bull might gain a tenth or two from more favourable track layouts, but this will not completely revolutionise the playing field.
McLaren have been particularly consistent, and Ferrari (assuming they rectify their warm-up issues) cannot be discounted either.
Still, Helmut Marko is looking forward to seeing the upcoming RB20 updates:
“The competition has made up ground, no question about it, but we are not worried. There are further improvements [arriving] to the car, which are promising based on the data.
“McLaren was as strong in Canada as it was on the previous GP weekends, Mercedes was stronger, but Ferrari was weaker.
“This up and down can be explained by the specific cars and tracks – and also by who is best at getting the tyres into the best working window on the respective weekend and in the very special track conditions.
“This situation is a great advantage for us, that the pursuers are constantly taking turns. We don’t have one opponent, but three, who are snatching points from each other. I hope it stays that way.”
Unsurprisingly, Marko continues to believe his team can secure both F1 Championships. This belief is certainly not unfounded, although it is somewhat undermined by the trajectory of recent events.
Regardless, the next phase of the development war – and Red Bull’s progress in it – will be revealed shortly.