Marko signals Red Bull’s fading championship hopes – The 2024 Formula One season has been nothing short of unpredictable. In March, at the season opener in Bahrain, many believed that Red Bull Racing would once again dominate the grid, building on their unbeatable reputation from the previous year.
The first seven races of the season seemed to confirm this, as Red Bull maintained a strong presence on the track. Since the Emilia-Romagna race, however, their fortunes have reversed and their recent struggles in Azerbaijan have led Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko to admit that he has all but given up hope of winning the Constructors’ Championship.
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Red Bull stumbles in Baku
At the Baku City Circuit, reigning world champion Max Verstappen finished a disappointing fifth, a far cry from his usual podium finishes. Meanwhile, Sergio Pérez had an even more disastrous result. After a collision with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, both drivers were forced to retire early, leaving Red Bull with no points from Pérez and a significant loss in the championship standings.
The poor performance not only cost Red Bull vital points, but also allowed McLaren to take the lead in the Constructors’ Championship, with a 20-point gap opening up between the two teams.
“The positive thing is that Oscar Piastri is very close to Norris in terms of points,” Marko reflected in an interview with *Sky Sports Deutschland*, offering a glimmer of optimism amidst the disappointment. However, the team’s struggles, particularly with consistency, have left Red Bull in a precarious position as the season progresses.
Marko admits defeat in constructors’ title bid
In the days following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Marko’s stance on Red Bull’s Constructors’ Championship chances became clear. Asked directly if he thought Red Bull still had a shot at the title, he was blunt: “If I’m honest, yes [I’ve given up].
McLaren’s rise to the top of the standings, coupled with Red Bull’s own misfortunes, has made the challenge of regaining the lead seem insurmountable. Although it is still relatively early in the season, the 20-point gap looms large and Marko’s outlook has gone from hopeful to resigned.
However, Marko isn’t ready to declare the championship race over just yet, noting that McLaren are facing their own internal challenges.
“The positive thing is that Piastri is very close to Norris in points. So when it comes to team orders, there won’t be any clarity from McLaren in the short term,” he said, suggesting that McLaren’s driver dynamics could still play a role in how the season unfolds.
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Ferrari emerging as a threat
While McLaren have taken the lead, Ferrari are also emerging as a serious contender for Red Bull’s second place in the Constructors’ Championship. In Azerbaijan, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished second, adding to his earlier victory in the Italian Grand Prix.
Marko is aware of Ferrari’s growing momentum and admits that their improved car could further threaten Red Bull’s position.
“I think Red Bull will finish third in the Constructors’ Championship at best if things continue as they are now,” admitted Marko.
“Ferrari have a good car. It will be difficult for Red Bull to stay in second place.”
Once considered untouchable, Red Bull now face the challenge of not only catching McLaren, but also fending off an upstart Ferrari team.
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Verstappen’s championship hopes still alive
The Constructors’ title may be slipping away, but Max Verstappen remains in a strong position in the Drivers’ Championship. The Dutchman continues to lead the standings, 59 points clear of his closest rival, McLaren’s Lando Norris.
Verstappen’s fifth-place finish in Baku, while disappointing by his standards, hasn’t significantly damaged his championship chances. Marko believes that with the right adjustments, Verstappen can still win the Drivers’ Championship.
“We need to find speed,” explained Marko. “When it comes to the set-up, we need to make sure the car is easier to drive.”
Despite the challenges, Marko is confident that the team can make the necessary improvements to keep Verstappen in the title hunt.
“Based on what we saw in Baku, I am confident that we can do it and win the Drivers’ Championship on our own,” he concluded.
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Uncertain times for Red Bull
As the season progresses, Red Bull finds itself in unfamiliar territory. Once the dominant force on the grid, they now find themselves under increasing pressure from both McLaren and Ferrari. Marko’s frank admission that Red Bull may not regain the Constructors’ Championship reflects the changing dynamics within F1 in 2024.
With Verstappen still firmly in contention for the Drivers’ title, there is hope that Red Bull can salvage some success from what has been a season full of unexpected twists and turns. However, the team will need to address issues with their car and strategy if they are to maintain their legacy as one of F1’s top contenders. The road ahead looks uncertain, but in the world of motorsport, anything can happen.
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