Red Bull Contentpool

Exclusive

Helmut Marko on expectations grand prix weekend at spa 2024

Marko sees challenging weekend for Verstappen: 'Overtaking's difficult'

26 July at 18:15
1
  • Sandy van Wijngaarden

Despite Max Verstappen being fastest during the first free practice and setting the third fastest time in FP2, Helmut Marko was not rosy about the rest of the weekend at Spa. The Austrian advisor answered GPblog's questions at the Belgian paddock.

The Red Bull Racing team has only just recovered from the tricky weekend in Hungary, but the next challenge is already ahead. Indeed, at the Grand Prix weekend at Spa-Francorchamps, Verstappen will start with a 10-spot grid penalty due to his new engine.

Marko expects tough weekend at Spa

During Friday's free practice sessions, Verstappen was first and third and Sergio Perez finished seventh and ninth. Helmut Marko himself did not sounded not satisfied. In an exclusive interview with GPblog, he was asked about whether he thinks Verstappen can win despite the grid penalty. On this, Marko did not feel much. "Well, let's say it will be very difficult. Overtaking is far more difficult nowadays."

Marko also expressed his expectations for this weekend for Perez. "That he is closer to Max, or that they get reasonable points." So the Red Bull advisor does not expect a podium or victory for the Mexican. "Doesn’t look like it at the moment. But let's see if we can make changes," Marko said.