Importance Score: 52 / 100 🔵
Marko Highlights Former Red Bull Engineer’s Role in McLaren’s Performance Surge
Red Bull Racing advisor Helmut Marko suggests that McLaren’s notable performance upturn in Formula 1 is connected to the expertise of Rob Marshall, a former key figure within the Red Bull team. Marko believes Marshall’s transition to McLaren in 2023, after a significant 17-year tenure with the Milton Keynes-based squad, coincides with the team’s improved competitiveness.
“There is a clear correlation,” Marko stated to media outlets, pointing to McLaren’s progress which he believes became evident following Marshall’s arrival. “McLaren’s upward trajectory became visible immediately after that personnel change – specifically at the Austrian Grand Prix in 2023. It’s apparent that valuable technical knowledge was transferred. Rob Marshall is a highly experienced and capable engineer, and his influence is now demonstrably present at McLaren.”
Red Bull’s Development Focus: Stability Across Conditions
Turning to Red Bull Racing’s own development path, Marko detailed their approach to maintaining a competitive edge. He revealed a recent meeting with chief engineers and driver Max Verstappen to address current car performance. “During this meeting, all pertinent issues were openly discussed, along with the planned solutions and upgrades we are developing.”
Acknowledging the unpredictable nature of in-season development, Marko commented on the team’s pursuit of broader performance gains. “Performance upgrades, naturally, can be effective – or they may not yield the desired results. This is a common scenario across Formula 1, as seen with teams like Mercedes and Ferrari. We are focused on achieving a more stable and predictable car – one that performs consistently across diverse circuits, in varying temperatures, and with all tyre specifications. This is the development direction we are pursuing, and I am confident in our ability to achieve this objective.”