Helmut Marko labels US GP as the point of ‘turnaround’ for Max Verstappen and Red Bull

Helmut Marko highlighted that Austin's US GP will be the real test for Red Bull's performance amidst recent struggles.

Helmut Marko labels US GP as the point of ‘turnaround’ for Max Verstappen and Red Bull

Helmut Marko & Max Verstappen (Via IMAGO)

Red Bull faces a major crisis with an unexpected downfall. Initially, Max Verstappen continued his dominance from the 2023 season but complained about the car’s lack of proper balance. Red Bull seemed to ignore his complaints, and now this issue has become a significant burden, proving difficult to overcome. However, the team is working hard to resolve the issues. Helmut Marko claims that the race in Austin will be a turning point for the team.

Helmut Marko stated that the team has identified what all issues they need to fix before the next races. The balance being the topmost issue which needs to be addressed but Max Verstappen claims the car needs to be changed completely. Marko mentioned the team’s working hard to get the car back to the right balance so it performs well again.

We already have a few conclusive findings, now we have to implement the corresponding technical changes quickly so that the car has the right balance again.
Helmut Marko told oe24.at
YouTube video

Marko acknowledged that the upcoming races in Baku and Singapore which are on street circuits won’t provide much information about their car’s performance. But the race in Austin will be more important in showing whether they can make the necessary improvements and turn their situation around. Hence, Red Bull doesn’t expect much from Baku and Singapore but Austin will be the real test to see if their efforts have paid off and if they can get back on track.

FS Video
The next two races on the street circuits in Baku and Singapore are not very informative in this regard. Austin will show whether we can achieve the turnaround.
Helmut Marko added
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Helmut Marko claims Max Verstappen’s drivers’ championship is Red Bull’s priority

Helmut Marko addressed concerns about whether Red Bull can still win the constructors with Sergio Perez‘s poor performance. He mentioned that Perez is not a bad driver, just slower compared to Verstappen. Currently, The team’s focus is completely on Max Verstappen to win the Drivers’ Championship.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen, Christian Horner and Helmut Marko (via IMAGO)
Max Verstappen, Christian Horner and Helmut Marko (via IMAGO)
Checo is not bad, he is just slower. But the priority is of course that Max wins the drivers' championship.
Helmut Marko stated

Hence, Marko explained that while Perez’s performance is not strong, the team’s focus is completely on the driver’s title. Red Bull believe that even with Checo’s slower pace, they can still aim for the Constructors’ Championship with Max Verstappen’s performance.

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