The Red Bull team was well-prepared for the Azerbaijan challenge. Sergio Perez has been one of the most successful racers on this track, while Max Verstappen consistently showed exceptional skills. Therefore, the Milton Keynes-based outfit was optimistic about breaking the winless streak. The weekend started on the right note, with both racers gaining momentum in the FP sessions. However, despite a sub-par Qualifying, the squad was in the mix to win the GP.
However, just two laps from the finish line, Checo collided with Carlos Sainz and had an unfortunate end to his race. Meanwhile, Verstappen, after all his efforts, managed to get a P5 finish. Sadly, it wasn’t enough to safeguard RBR’s top spot on the Constructors’ leaderboard. Consequently, McLaren emerged as the new table topper, while the gap between Lando Norris and the Dutchman was cut short to 59 points. As a result, Helmut Marko is skeptical about defending the world titles, especially with the underperforming RB20.
Marko Hopes For Redemption As McLaren Pierces Through Red Bull’s World Title Defense
Helmut Marko admitted that Red Bull had all but given up hope of winning the Constructors’ Championship this season. While acknowledging the difficult situation, he pointed out a positive in Oscar Piastri’s close points battle with teammate Lando Norris. However, the RBR senior advisor noted that McLaren’s team orders may delay any clear outcome, leaving some uncertainty for now.
In Azerbaijan, Norris outperformed Max Verstappen despite starting from 15th on the grid, widening the points gap between them to 59. The Austrian executive expressed concern that if Red Bull doesn’t address the issues with their RB20, particularly starting from the United States Grand Prix, Verstappen’s drivers’ championship title could also be at risk. He explained that Verstappen struggled to get the car working properly, citing tire failures and overheating brakes as significant problems. While the RB20 has potential, Marko emphasized that its setup remains highly sensitive.
Looking ahead, he admitted that Singapore may not bring visible progress for Red Bull. However, he stressed the importance of improvement by the time the team reaches Austin, as failing to do so could jeopardize Verstappen’s shot at retaining the drivers’ championship.
Christian Horner Urges Team To “Push Hard” Amid Chaotic Slump
Christian Horner remains optimistic about Red Bull’s chances of catching up in the championship race. He emphasized that the team is pushing hard, shifting from a defensive stance to an aggressive pursuit of the title. This change in strategy has reinvigorated the team’s approach, and they plan to leave no stone unturned in their effort to close the gap.
Moreover, the Briton pointed out that there are plenty of points to be won, with seven races and two sprint races still on the calendar. Additionally, the variety of circuits coming up offers opportunities to make gains. While the challenge is tough, Horner believes Red Bull’s season is far from over.