Helmut Marko believes that Ferrari will be the biggest challenger to Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing when the 2024 F1 season starts next weekend and the team will be hunting for its fourth drivers’ title and third constructors’ title in a row.
In conversation with Small newspaper Marko, Red Bull’s advisor for many years, says that the team’s goal in 2024 is the same as in 2022 and 2023. “Our goal is the fourth world title [voor Verstappen], that is obvious. The whole picture seems to be correct. Max has become even better, as far as that is still possible.” In addition, the car, which has undergone some changes compared to 2023, immediately proved to be reliable and worked well. Verstappen even had nothing to complain about after the test days last week in Bahrain.
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Ferrari biggest challenger?
Last week, Marko watched with interest the test days in Bahrain, which were held from February 21 to 23. After those three days, the general conclusion was that Ferrari will be Red Bull’s biggest challenger during the first few races. Marko agrees with this conclusion. “Ferrari has come closer, they may even be on the same level in qualifying. That is also Leclerc’s strength, he is perhaps the best qualifying driver. On a circuit like Monte Carlo it is difficult if you don’t is at the front.”
Not as dominant as 2023
Last year, Red Bull had no competition and the team won 21 of the 22 races, nineteen of which were won by Verstappen. Only the Singapore Grand Prix was not won by the team that became champion among the drivers and constructors. According to Marko, it will not be as easy in 2024 as it was in 2023. “I don’t expect the same level of sovereignty this year as last year, even though the world title is clearly within reach.”
Bahrain Grand Prix can be watched for free this weekend via F1 TV
The new Formula 1 season is about to start! F1 TV Pro, the official streaming service of the premier class, offers a 7-day trial subscription with which you can watch the Bahrain Grand Prix free of charge.
Watch the F1 TV Pro action here.
