Marko is unsure if Verstappen can achieve victory at Monza.
Dr. Helmut Marko has dampened expectations regarding Max Verstappen's chances of victory at Monza, while also criticizing the new engine regulations that have positioned Red Bull-Ford at the forefront of the FIA’s power unit ranking. In an interview with the Austrian newspaper Osterreich, the former Red Bull advisor mentioned that the Italian Grand Prix may come too soon for the team to realistically aim for a win.
"At the short Zandvoort circuit, we were four or five tenths behind," the 83-year-old noted. "That’s a significant gap."
"Winning will be challenging."
Marko highlighted future races as more favorable opportunities, stating, "Our best chance might be in Texas, Las Vegas, or Mexico."
He also criticized the FIA’s current development handicap system, ADUO, after Red Bull-Ford had emerged as the reference power unit on two occasions. "These regulations are outdated and need immediate revision," he argued.
"The powertrain includes an internal combustion engine, electric motor, software, and battery. Red Bull certainly doesn’t feature the best powertrain."
Marko acknowledged that the chassis development approach has also affected the team negatively. "They didn’t start too poorly, but then things went askew," he explained. "If you develop in the wrong direction twice, it becomes financially challenging due to the cost-cap regulations."
When asked about the impact of Adrian Newey’s departure on Red Bull, Marko defended the remaining technical team. "The team already demonstrated last year, when they narrowly lost the World Championship without Newey, that they are capable," he stated. "However, as you know, I’m merely an observer now."
He also confessed that Verstappen’s serious crash at Zandvoort startled him. "I was quite shocked when the car went sideways," he admitted. "Thankfully, there was some distance between the cars behind, and Lawson reacted very well."
"If someone collides with a car in that position, it can be extremely dangerous."
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