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Marko unconcerned about P2 Verstappen at Monza

Marko unconcerned about Verstappen's P2: 'Good for the atmosphere in Italy'

2 September 2023 at 17:11
Last update 2 September 2023 at 17:31
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  • Kada Sarkozi
  • Editor

It was close in qualifying for the Monza Grand Prix. This time it was not Max Verstappen, but Carlos Sainz who managed to secure pole position in front of the tifosi. Helmut Marko stressed that Red Bull Racing did not focus on qualifying and is therefore not very worried about the race on Sunday.

Marko looks ahead to Italian GP

Ahead of qualifying, Marko told ORF that the front row would not be crucial for Red Bull, given the RB19's strong race pace. The front row did end up being it for Verstappen, although he had to leave the best starting position to his former teammate Sainz.

"The front row is good, our strength lies in the race. And for the atmosphere in Italy, this is optimal," Marko said with a nod after qualifying. "We knew Ferrari would be strong and we set ourselves up for that. We didn't necessarily go for pole in the set-up, it's more important that we are good enough in the race."

Sergio Perez will have to push forward from P5 on Sunday. He had to concede just under four tenths on the times of Sainz and Verstappen in Q3. "That is the usual gap he has towards Verstappen and which probably any other driver would have," concluded the Red Bull advisor.