The recent performance of Red Bull has raised concern. The team entered in 2024 with a streak of world titles and the fastest F1 car. Moreover, this season, RBR was considered the only contender for the world title race. On the contrary, the team has underperformed in recent weeks.
The season opener made everyone believe Verstappen will easily clinch his fourth title. However, the trailing camps have throttled their way to the top. Ferrari and McLaren are moving in the right direction to challenge the reigning world champions. The pressure is mounting on the team, which was visible during the Monaco GP. Hence, the path to victory will be full of obstacles going forward.
Max Verstappen And Helmut Marko Voices Concern Over Dismal Performance
The first corner of the Monaco Street Circuit saw a major accident. The bend is considered brutal, and every driver is eager to take over. Similarly, Sergio Perez was surging ahead when Kevin Magnussens’ Haas collided with his RB 20. The off-balance Perez collided with Nico Hulkenberg, prompting all three drivers to retire. Although there were no injuries, the RB20 was severely damaged. Moreover, this was the highlight of the race, as Red Bull’s performance has been wrecked, similar to RB20’s post-crash.
The team was entirely outgunned by Ferrari and McLaren, with Max Verstappen finishing sixth in the Monaco Grand Prix. The misery persisted since the first lap crash. The Milton Keynes-based team had troubles early in the weekend, with Verstappen and Perez criticizing the car’s poor performance in FP1 and FP2. Overall, the automobile was sluggish over bumps and kerbs, and the technical staff could not enhance it. Furthermore, the RB20 is a low-riding F1 car, which makes it vulnerable to bumps and sharp kerbs with camber inconsistency. The RB20 boasts an impressive aerodynamic structure, but its low-to-the-ground design makes it impossible to control on circuits similar to Monte Carlo.
However, when Verstappen voiced his concern during the free practice sessions, Helmut Marko advised him to be confident. Further, Marko believed the RB20 would do better in the long run. To his surprise, the car was impossible to control. Thus, after a shoddy performance, the senior advisor has reviewed the shortcomings. In his column for Speedweek, the 81-year-old Austrian said the car had troubles on kerbs as it appeared nervous. As a result, even a driver like Verstappen could be forced into making a mistake in such a car. Further, Marko pointed out a disparity between the simulator and reality, as the results were completely opposite. In the end, Marko warned the team about the upcoming Montreal circuit, which could be similar to Monaco.
Helmut Marko’s Future Remains Uncertain
Helmut Marko is one of the most senior personnel on the F1 grid. His expertise and experience make him an invaluable asset. However, Marko’s contract will end in 2026, when he will be 83. Therefore, whether he will continue with Red Bull or look for a new outfit remains.
He told the Austrian magazine OE24 that everything was focused on Max Verstappen and Red Bull. Thus, he has eliminated any possibility of a transfer, but it is never out of the equation. In the end, if Marko leaves, Verstappen will have the choice to leave, too.