Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko is keeping a close eye on the situation at McLaren. The Austrian noticed that the racing team encountered some problems in China, but Marko draws a worrying conclusion for his own team. “We need to come up with improvements in the next five races, otherwise it will be too late,” warns the advisor.
There have only been two Grands Prix this year, and both races were won by an MCL39. Lando Norris crossed the finish line first in Australia, while teammate Oscar Piastri claimed victory in Shanghai a week later. Only Lewis Hamilton, winner of the sprint race in China, has so far prevented McLaren from winning everything. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko therefore sees great similarities between the British team and the dominance of his own team in 2023.
“They are like we were in 2023, with a car that works under all conditions, in any weather and on any circuit,” the Austrian explains to Kleine Zeitung. “In China, they weakened for the first time, especially Lando Norris. But McLaren is currently the absolute favorite with two strong drivers and a strong car.”
‘Otherwise it will be too late’
Does Marko’s conclusion about McLaren mean that Red Bull is throwing in the towel? Absolutely not. “We need to quickly release updates that really work,” the advisor warns. “Of course, these do not all come at once and if a part does not work, we need to make improvements. But to win the world championship, these improvements need to be implemented in the next five races, otherwise it will be too late.”
