Not long before the start of the 2023 Formula One pre-season testing session at the Bahrain International Circuit, Austrian former professional racing driver and current Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko was interviewed by Kronen Zeitung, Austria’s most widely read and influential paper. He discussed the situation in view of the 2023 F1 championship and also spoke about the main events related to the Milton Keynes team, also focusing on the competing teams in the fight for the title. Especially on Scuderia Ferrari. Below is an excerpt of his comments.
Helmut Marko’s statements:
“Since not much has changed in terms of regulations, we assume that we have a good package. The underbody is a little shorter, then we made other small changes. But I’m not a technician to talk about it,” Helmut Marko explained at the Krone microphones talking about the new RB19. Then he added: “It’s an evolution of the RB18 and not a revolution. But we also studied with the ‘Weight Watchers’ and reduced the weight”.
On the other hand, when asked about the Honda engine, the Austrian said: “There is an increase in performance that we can benefit from without compromising reliability”. Speaking of reliability and engine: in recent weeks, rumors have been circulating that Ferrari would have solved the problems suffered in 2022, which would allow the Maranello team to gain up to 30 HP. Helmut Marko is skeptical about the figure: “Ferrari has solved the problem and now has more power. But the numbers buzzing around are false.”
And still speaking of engines, the Red Bull advisor also spoke about the new collaboration with Ford: “It has a history of great success in Formula 1 and can offer enormous potential in the technical sector, in terms of battery cells, turbos and software. Therefore, we quickly reached an agreement after discussions with Bill Ford and Jim Farley. The cooperation will start immediately, although the engines will not be used until 2026.” – he pointed out.
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The budget cap is still a key topic ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season, as Red Bull had to give up some time in the wind tunnel: “Am I worried? There was no room for experiments. But in any case, in 2022 we had the best car, if the new one, which was finished in time, works, and I am convinced it will work, there is nothing to be worried about.” – he added.
Helmut Marko was then asked about the expectations for Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez in view of the following F1 campaign: “We will see an even safer Max, the way he has evolved is remarkable. He has become great at managing the tyres and has an incredible vision in the race. Sergio improves alongside Max, he has a good performance. But in terms of speed, Max is clearly superior for the whole season.”
Finally, a comment about Mercedes, who Helmut Marko believes will be Red Bull’s main rival in the fight for the 2023 Formula 1 championships: “If you look at the team structures, the personalities and qualities of the drivers, Mercedes is our strongest opponent. They have shown in the past that they are very good strategically. The fact that George Russell is getting stronger and taking points away from Lewis Hamilton is a glimmer of hope.” – Helmut Marko concluded.
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