Marko: Red Bull's Monza 'Rebirth' Signals Newfound Confidence for F1 Season

Red Bull's dominant Italian Grand Prix win marks a "rebirth" for the team, unlocking potential for success at circuits previously considered weak, according to F1 advisor Helmut Marko. This turnaround stems from a crucial shift in engineering philosophy.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen's comfortable victory at Monza, a track historically challenging for Red Bull, signifies a major breakthrough in the RB21's setup and adaptability, boosting confidence for the remainder of the season.

The details:

• Under incoming team principal Laurent Mekies, Red Bull pivoted to prioritizing driver input and experience over sole reliance on simulation data for car balance. Verstappen's insistence on a lower downforce setup at Monza exemplified this new approach.
• Marko is now "very optimistic" for fast tracks like Baku and "hopeful" for Singapore, a slow, bumpy circuit where Red Bull has traditionally struggled. He believes "everything is possible" for the team to secure more wins this season.
• The improvements are largely attributed to this new engineering approach, which Marko calls a "rebirth," fostering a more predictable and drivable car. Minor upgrades played a secondary role.
• With development now primarily focused on the 2026 car, significant further upgrades for the RB21 are limited.

What's next:

The upcoming Singapore Grand Prix will be the key litmus test for Red Bull's newfound adaptability on challenging low-speed circuits.