In Monaco, Max Verstappen expressed his dissatisfaction with the performance of his RB20.
Although Max Verstappen is worried Red Bull are in a hole even set-up changes can’t get them out of, Helmut Marko insists they aren’t “losing that much time”, at least not in the long runs in Monaco.
Verstappen encountered a challenging start to the Monaco Grand Prix weekend as he secured a P4 finish, trailing over half a second behind Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari.
Helmut Marko: We are not losing that much time at all
During FP2, he expressed his dissatisfaction with his RB20, describing it as “jumping like a kangaroo” and causing him a headache. However, he admitted that he didn’t anticipate any significant improvements for Saturday’s session.
The reigning World Champion stated that these types of issues cannot be resolved through a set-up, as they are inherent in the car’s manufacturing and design. Furthermore, such matters cannot be altered overnight, leaving us with no choice but to accept and work with them.
But while Verstappen seems somewhat resigned to his fate, Red Bull motorsport advisor Marko doesn’t believe they were that far off the pace, at least not when it came to the long runs.
Nevertheless, he acknowledges the fact that in Monaco, race-pace holds little significance unless a driver is positioned near the top of the grid.
“All that time? We are not losing that much time at all and did not use the same engine modes as the others,” Marko told Motorsport Magazin.
Indeed, it is true that the car’s excessive bouncing is evident. However, it is important to note that during the long runs, we achieved exceptional timings. Furthermore, we observed that the car experienced reduced bouncing when equipped with a considerable amount of fuel.
“However, beginning at the front is essential; otherwise, it serves no purpose.”
More on Max Verstappen’s Monaco concerns
Max Verstappen: Red Bull stuck in setup trouble as Ferrari pace admission made
Max Verstappen brands Red Bull RB20 a ‘kangaroo’ in startling Monaco practice
Marko further addressed Verstappen’s concerns about the car’s jumping behavior, stating that when the car jumps unpredictably like a kangaroo, it becomes challenging to anticipate its next move. Our main objective is to reduce this issue to the minimum possible.
Our priority is to achieve this goal while minimizing any potential loss in aerodynamic efficiency.
“The game follows the usual pattern. The theory behind it is straightforward, but its execution is rather murky.”
But while the data after FP2 suggests either Lewis Hamilton or Fernando Alonso could surprise around the streets of Monte Carlo, Marko believes they turned up their engines in FP2.
“He said that Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, and Leclerc all increased the engine power. In the second session, we managed to narrow the gap with Leclerc, although he still remains the favorite for pole position,” he stated.
Verstappen remains undefeated in securing the pole position for Grand Prix this season, having triumphed in all seven main qualifying sessions.
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