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Red Bull F1 advisor Helmut Marko has thrown down the gauntlet to Mercedes, telling the Silver Arrows that they “can forget about the world title.” Marko, who is no stranger to controversial comments, went on to say that Mercedes “does not have one problem with the concept this year, but several.”
Mercedes had a Sunday to forget on the opening day of the 2023 Formula 1 season after being embarrassed by their customer team Aston Martin, who delivered a podium place after some fantastic driving from Fernando Alonso.
The eight-time constructors’ champions have struggled to convert their sidepod-less concept into on-track performance after opting to follow the same route as last year’s car, which was described by team principal Toto Wolff as a ‘s*** box’.
With rumours swirling that Mercedes will already be looking to completely change the concept of their car, Marko believes that Wolff’s team will struggle to develop multiple cars.
“It will be difficult,” Marko said to RTL.
“You can’t just design two or three different cars. It will be tricky with the budget cap.
“A new car doesn’t just work either, because you have to be competitive from the start. They lack the test days and race experience.”
Red Bull resurgence
With Red Bull’s dominant display in Bahrain, Formula 1 fans are worried that the energy drink company will run away title early doors. However, Marko has warned against complacency, pointing out the Ferraris as front runners once they sort out their tyre wear.
“People say we are already completely euphoric and see ourselves as champions, but Bahrain is a separate circuit,” he said.
“The race was good, but it doesn’t mean it will be like that in the next races.”
[Ferrari] still have a problem with tyre wear. On a lap, they are there and no doubt they will take pole position at times, but that is also not something where we are making much progress.”
Marko’s comments come after Mercedes published an open letter to their fans, almost apologising for their poor start to the season.
It remains to be seen whether Red Bull can maintain their early-season momentum, but Marko’s comments will no doubt add some spice to the battle for the world title.