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Helmut Marko Laments Red Bull's Delayed Turnaround in F1 Title Fight

Helmut Marko Laments Red Bull's Delayed Turnaround in F1 Title Fight

Summary
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko states that the F1 championship would "look different" if their performance turnaround had come sooner. He emphasized that falling behind McLaren early in the European season could be costly for Max Verstappen's title hopes, despite recent strong performances, including victories in Monza and Baku. Marko believes the RB21 always had this potential, with a key floor upgrade at Monza unlocking its pace. However, he stressed Verstappen will need help from McLaren to win the championship.

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko believes the F1 drivers' championship battle would be significantly different if the team's recent performance resurgence had occurred earlier in the season. He pointed out that losing ground to McLaren at the start of the European leg could ultimately cost Max Verstappen his fifth consecutive title.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's mid-season dip allowed rivals, particularly McLaren, to gain a substantial lead, making Verstappen's quest for a fifth title a much harder uphill battle. Marko's comments underscore the critical importance of early-season performance and the fine margins that define a championship fight in Formula 1.

The Details:

  • Verstappen has recently closed the gap to Oscar Piastri from 104 points to 63, securing victories in Monza and Baku, and a second-place finish in Singapore.
  • Marko agrees with Verstappen's assessment that the RB21 always had this potential, but the team initially struggled to unlock its full pace.
  • The significant floor upgrade introduced at the Italian Grand Prix is credited with transforming Red Bull's fortunes.
  • Performance Shift: Marko noted that after a strong start, Red Bull's performance declined around the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, leading to an eight-race winless streak for Verstappen with only two podiums.
    • He explicitly stated, "If we had made this turn around earlier, the championship would look different."
  • Since the Zandvoort race, the team has consistently been fighting for P1 or P2, indicating a positive direction.

The Big Picture:

Red Bull's improved performance in recent rounds, including strong showings on both low and high-downforce circuits, suggests the RB21 is now a formidable contender across various track profiles. McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella, and Marko himself, view Verstappen's pole position for the United States Grand Prix sprint as definitive proof of Red Bull's newfound competitiveness everywhere.

What's next:

While Red Bull has made significant strides, Marko still believes Verstappen cannot win the championship single-handedly. He reiterated that Verstappen will need "help" from McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris to overcome the current points deficit and clinch the title. This acknowledgment highlights the tight competition and the strategic importance of other teams' performances in the concluding races.

Original Article :https://racingnews365.com/helmut-marko-pinpoints-costly-red-bull-delay-in-look-d...

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