Helmut Marko spill the beans on reason for Ferrari’s superior performance during Australian GP practice

Helmut Marko isn't worries about Ferrari's performance throughout Friday Free Practice.

Charles Leclerc, Helmut Marko (In Circle) and Max Verstappen (Via IMAGO)

The two Free Practice sessions at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit saw Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc being rapid throughout the two sessions and out-performing Max Verstappen with ease. The Monagasue topped FP2 and has looked very good throughout the Australian GP weekend so far and has shown initial signs of being a big challenge for Red Bull on coming days.

Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko was asked about his thoughts on the performance showcased by the Scuderia and Charles Leclerc. The Austrian believes that the performance gap between Leclerc and Verstappen seems to be due to engine modes. He asserted that Ferrari used full-power and their qualifying set-p during the FP’s while Red Bull wasn’t running on their 100%.

I think Ferrari used full power in the qualifying simulation, we did not, That's why I don't see the gap as critical - but the long run by Leclerc was very impressive. Our set-up is not yet right, but the car is not bad, Leclerc set a pace that means we still need to fine-tune. In general, you have to say that the field is moving closer together.

Helmut Marko said via RacingNews365.

It seems that the Red Bulls are still pretty confident overall about their performance advantage but are just a little concerned due to the Leclerc’s pace. With qualifying coming up soon, it seems Red Bull and Ferrari will battle it out for pole position on Saturday.

FS Video

Keep exploring: WATCH: George Russell deems F1 legend Lewis Hamilton as his ‘style icon’

Max Verstappen shares his thoughts on Friday’s free practice at the Australia

Max Verstappen seemed to have a messier Friday practice than he usually does. The three-time World Champion damaged his floor after his little visit to the gravel trap in FP1 and lost 20 minutes in FP2 because of coinciding repairs.

Verstappen couldn’t perform any long runs throughout any of the sessions making him and Red Bull more oblivious about the dominant RB20’s overall pace at Melbourne. After both the messy FP sessions concluded the Dutchman spoke about what he and his team will have to do in order to get back to a rhythm for the remainder of the weekend.

Yes, I damaged the floor and the chassis, That lost 20 minutes even though it was a quick turnaround. Ferrari is quick but there are things we can fine-tune. Nothing worrying.

Max Verstappen said.

Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz looked very quick throughout the practice sessions, with the number 16 topping FP2. It seems that Verstappen and Red Bull have their work cut out for the remainder of the weekend.