Marko Feels Heat: Spa Tensions Spike for Red Bull

Marko faces a ‘tense’ Spa showdown and pivotal decisions on Perez and Ricciardo next week.

Dr. Helmut Marko has acknowledged a “tense” atmosphere in the Red Bull garage ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen and his long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase were both reprimanded by the team’s renowned F1 advisor after Hungary for their radio conduct.

“They both sat down and talked yesterday (Thursday).”

“The atmosphere is a bit tense,” he added, also admitting that “Max is personally more tense than usual.”

“It’s a tough season for him and he’s only human. We’re still in the lead, but not as dominant.”

Indeed, Verstappen appeared to still be in a frustrated mood at Spa yesterday, defending his critiques of his team and his colorful language, which did not sit well with FOM (read here).

Regarding his disputes with his engineer ‘GP’, the 26-year-old driver responded, “We are very open, very critical of each other, but it has worked very well for us, so I don’t expect that to change because of a few heated words here and there.”

But managing Verstappen’s mood is not Marko’s only concern by far: the seats of Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull Racing and RB F1 are uncertain beyond the upcoming summer break.

“We need consistency for Sergio and Daniel,” Marko stated.

“Christian Horner and I will meet Monday after the race and discuss how to proceed. We will then know more about both of them.”

“What’s good is that we have a strong team of drivers. Liam Lawson is certainly at the top of the list if he needs to step in, but there are also Isack Hadjar and Ayumu Iwasa.”