Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko has conceded that his team are not in contention to win the Australian Grand Prix, unless something out of the ordinary happens on Sunday.
It comes after a modest first two practice sessions for Red Bull. Neither Max Verstappen or Liam Lawson threatened the the top of the timesheets.
Verstappen said after Free Practice 2 that the problems with the RB21 will be ‘hard to fix. The Dutchman is unsure of the reasons behind the lack of pace.
It was a similar story for new team-mate Lawson. Despite feeling ‘comfortable’ during his first race weekend sessions as a Red Bull driver, he admitted he was ‘just too slow’.
Last year, Verstappen comfortably took pole around the streets of Melbourne. However, the reigning champion has a massive task on his hands if he is to repeat his qualifying success tomorrow.
Marko aiming for Australian GP podium
Rain is forecasted for Sunday Day, which could come to the aid of Verstappen and Red Bull.
Speaking to Sky Sports Germany, Marko said: “It looks like McLaren is the strongest team at the moment, with a close fight between Ferrari, Mercedes, and us.
“We’re not at the very front but, under normal conditions, a podium finish would be the maximum we can aim for.
“But I’ve heard there might be rain – and if that happens, the ‘Max factor’ comes into play again.”
An unanimous feeling throughout the paddock believe that McLaren were the team to beat this season. Marko revealed that Red Bull currently find themselves about a quarter of a second behind the reigning Constructors’ Champions.
He said: “I estimate we’re about two to three tenths behind and, at best, looking at the second row (on the grid)
“(The car) was fluctuating between understeer and oversteer – which, of course, affects tire wear in the long run, but I believe we know what needs to be done.”
‘More to come’ from Lawson
Lawson will be making his Red Bull debut this weekend, after making the step up from Racing Bulls over the winter break.
The New Zealander struggled during his first two practice sessions in the RB21, and finished the day 1.2 seconds off Charles Leclerc in P1, and half a second behind his team-mate.
As head of the driver development programme, Marko has been heavily involved with Lawson’s rise through the Red Bull ranks, and was quick to defend the 23 year old after his slow start.
He said: “We’re comparing him with (Kimi) Antonelli.
“The two are more or less on the same pace, despite Lawson not running with full engine power.
“There’s definitely more to come from him.”
Feature Image Credit: Red Bull Content Pool/Lucas Pripfl / Red Bull Ring
