Leclerc ’extremely strong’ in Melbourne - Marko
"But we can fine-tune a few things"
Max Verstappen may have a fight on his hands to win a third consecutive grand prix in 2024 this weekend, admitting after practice that "Ferrari is certainly fast".
"But we can fine-tune a few things," the triple world champion said in Melbourne. "I don’t see a reason to worry yet," Red Bull’s Dutch driver added.
Team advisor Dr Helmut Marko agreed: "We have to take Ferrari seriously here. They look extremely strong on one lap and in the long run."
However, he added: "We drove with less power than Ferrari on the fast lap. And the long run still needs fine-tuning. But they’re strong here. (Charles) Leclerc is fast.
"Max also damaged the underbody and a few other things relatively badly in the first session, which meant we had less time in the second one.
"We were a little bit behind in the long run, but this is due to the lack of time. But it will be tight, especially if we don’t get the tuning under control.
"But I’m optimistic that we will succeed," said Marko.
Red Bull
Verstappen hits back at online racing criticism
Verstappen to race in real and virtual worlds from Imola
Red Bull ’too slow’ as major F1 rivals close in
Marko now tips Ferrari move for Adrian Newey
More on Red Bull
Ferrari
Newey’s Williams talks now on ’pause’ - Vowles
F1 yet to solve wet-weather visibility problem
F1 won’t be ’bored’ with off-track news at Imola - CEO
Hamilton, Leclerc now in ’honeymoon’ period - Vasseur
Red Bull ’too slow’ as major F1 rivals close in
More on Ferrari