Marko vigilant: ''Mercedes was always one step ahead of us in Barcelona''

Red Bull ready for takeoff?

"We don't know exactly where we stand yet. Mercedes was always one step ahead of us in Barcelona, but now we all have different upgrades with us. In Spielberg we'll see how everyone is doing at the moment. After Melbourne we have at least been able to make some improvements'', says Marko in conversation with Auto, Motor und Sport.

''I see a duel between Lewis Hamilton and Verstappen this season. Those two will fight for the title, but Hamilton has some advantage. Ten or fifteen races on the calendar also makes quite a difference. Do you go full on the attack or settle for a spot where you're already driving. So we're going to have to change gears fast.''

Hamilton versus Verstappen

Should the title battle between Hamilton and Verstappen really erupt, the Dutchman will also have to deal with the pressure that comes with it for the first time. ''Then there will be a lot of pressure, but we want to make Verstappen the youngest world champion and Mercedes wants the seventh world title. Starting in the middle of the season, where we are usually strong, might give us a psychological advantage'', Marko said.

A notable absent in the conversation with Marko is the team of Ferrari. ''If you look at the winter tests they were not at the level of Red Bull and Mercedes in terms of chassis and engine. That's why Vettel also wants to leave, because he no longer sees the potential to become world champion there", concludes the Austrian.