Red Bull is aiming for a fourth consecutive win on the streets of Monaco, but Helmut Marko anticipates significant challenges.
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s advisor, has stated that the Monaco Grand Prix will be the most difficult race of the season for the Milton Keynes-based team.
The reigning world champions have won five of the first seven races this season, with Max Verstappen leading the charge. However, Red Bull has faced increased competition recently, especially from McLaren, which secured a victory at the Miami Grand Prix.
McLaren continued to pressure Red Bull at Imola, with Lando Norris finishing just seven-tenths of a second behind Verstappen.
As Red Bull prepares for Monaco, Marko has predicted a tough event ahead.
“We definitely need to rise to the challenge of McLaren,” Marko told De Telegraaf. “Now we go to Monaco, and there, it’s pretty much all about qualifying.
“I think that will be the most difficult race so far for us, also because of the bumps and kerbs there. I also expect a lot from Ferrari and especially Charles Leclerc.”
Qualifying Importance
Given Monaco’s narrow track layout, which provides little opportunity to overtake, teams focus heavily on qualifying. Marko has called on Red Bull’s engineering department to meet this challenge as their rivals close in.
“Our technical team has to work hard,” he told ServusTV. “As I said, qualifying is incredibly important because you can slow down two to three seconds and still win if you drive in front.
“We especially need to start looking at the kerbs.”
With the stakes high and the competition fierce, Red Bull’s performance in Monaco will be crucial in maintaining their dominant start to the season.