Arnab Bose

Red Bull has been enjoying an unprecedented dominance since 2022. That was the year when the governing body introduced the cost cap and ground effect regulations. Whenever they change and introduce new rules, teams generally get separated from the grid. But there will be one team that will be the front runner, and the others will have to play catch up. That’s what has been happening since the introduction of the Budget cap era. Mercedes used to dominate the grid for eight years straight in the turbo-hybrid era. Previously, from 2010 to 2013, Red Bull used to dominate, with Sebastian Vettel being the most dominant driver.

Since 2022, it has been the time and era that belongs to Max Verstappen and the Austrian outfit. Lately, in 2024, other teams like Ferrari and McLaren have been able to challenge the dominance of the Dutch racer. Even George Russell of Mercedes managed to beat Max to win the pole position in Montreal. Anyhow, Helmut Marko assures the Red Bull fans that there’s no reason to worry because new upgrades are coming.

F1 Rivals Don’t Scare Red Bull

Lando Norris Max Verstappen Source: PlanetF1
Recently, in his SpeedWeek column, Red Bull’s 81-year-old advisor Helmut Marko mentioned that the team is on the right track. In terms of front suspension, they will make progress soon, says Marko. Lately, Red Bull has struggled with kerb riding issues on the tracks of Miami and Monaco. If they can avoid kerbs and bumps, they will be strong once again. Even in Montreal, Canada, they did not have the strongest package compared to what they have had before. However, Max Verstappen was able to beat George Russell of Mercedes and Lando Norris of McLaren in the Canadian Grand Prix. In the upcoming races, F1 will return to the normal tracks where the Milton Keynes outfit should regain the benchmark status they had in the last two years.

Helmut Marko wrote in his column that the races in Spain, Austria and then in England, they can have a better idea as to where the other racing cars are and their present status. Moreover, Marko called the tracks in Montreal, Monaco, Miami and Imola, “Atypical.” According to the 81-year-old advisor, upcoming races will be on some “Classic tracks.” Nonetheless, Marko admits that there has been a reduction in his team’s advantage over other teams. But he insists that it does not bother Red Bull as they have made some preparations. Moreover, Marko said that they will introduce new “Promising” developments onto the RB20 car.

“Certain Tracks Help Specific Cars,” Believe Marko

Max Verstappen Helmut Marko Red Bull Source: PlanetF1
The 81-year-old Red Bull advisor mentioned that the competition has got stiffer for sure. But based on the data, the Milton Keynes team is happy with the upgrades they will have next. Helmut Marko said McLaren was strong in Montreal as they were in Miami and other weekends. He pointed at Mercedes, getting stronger. But Ferrari got weaker in Montreal.

Marko believes this up and down is the result of specific cars suiting certain tracks more than others. Moreover, Marko says it is essential to know which team is better at getting the tyres into the window and which team is working the best on a certain weekend. Then, the very special track conditions will play even more vital roles.