According to advisor Helmut Marko, Red Bull can kiss the constructors’ title goodbye. The Austrians, who were leading the standings for a long time, have now been overtaken by both McLaren and Ferrari. Red Bull crowned themselves champions two years in a row, but after a disappointing season compared to the competition from Maranello and Woking, Marko is throwing in the towel.
Thanks to a double podium in Mexico City, Ferrari took home the most points again last weekend. Less than two weeks ago, the Scuderia already scored a one-two during the United States GP. As a result, Ferrari is making a comeback in the championship. The team has closed the gap to McLaren to twenty-nine points and also dealt with Red Bull in Mexico; the reigning champions fell back to third place.
‘Verstappen risks grid penalty’
“We’ve lost the constructors’ title,” Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko said this week to OE24. “Ferrari in its current form is too strong for us. I think they can even overtake McLaren.” In the drivers’ championship, Red Bull is doing better. At least, that applies to Max Verstappen. The three-time champion has impressively defended his first place in the standings over the past few months – even though he hasn’t won anything since the Spanish GP. Teammate Sergio Pérez is still in eighth place in the championship.
However, Helmut Marko is anxious about the drivers’ title. “I’m not so sure,” he continued. “Verstappen needs a new engine, and therefore there’s a high chance we’ll get a grid penalty in Brazil. On the other hand, a new power unit also brings more horsepower, so hopefully we’ll have a bit more speed in São Paulo.
