RB20 'Completely Unpredictable' at Imola: Marko

Helmut Marko admits Red Bull’s RB20 is unpredictable at Imola, falling short against Ferrari’s improved performance, raising concerns within the team.

Ferrari has become a “serious competitor” for Red Bull, admitted the latter’s F1 consultant, Dr. Helmut Marko, at Imola.

Ferrari made a significant improvement this weekend, with Red Bull’s technical director, Pierre Waché, admitting that the new components on the RB20 are “less noticeable.”

Charles Leclerc was the fastest in both sessions, while Max Verstappen could only manage fifth in particularly disrupted sessions for the championship leader.

“We have been the most consistent in all scenarios,” admitted Ferrari team principal, Fred Vasseur.

Thus, even though Ferrari’s upgrade clearly seems to be working, Red Bull is still scratching their heads.

“The upgrade and the settings do not yet go together,” admits Marko.

“We have moved in the wrong direction and are completely out of the window. The car doesn’t work with any tire compound.”

“Verstappen was half a second off the pace, and we were even further behind in long runs. That alarms me more than the fastest lap.”

“What worries me the most is that Max is having issues with it. And if Max can’t control it, then something is really wrong.”

“The car reacts differently every time, and above all, it is completely unpredictable. Some of the new parts may not be working optimally together. But we don’t think it’s a fundamental issue; otherwise, it would be the case in all sectors.”

“On the other hand, what Ferrari is showing is impressive. The competition is getting closer, that’s a fact. Ferrari has certainly taken a step forward. I consider them our most serious competitor.”

Mercedes also has an improved car at Imola, and the team and drivers seemed more positive than usual after Friday’s sessions.

But Marko waits to judge them: “Sometimes they are ahead, and suddenly, they completely disappear. Let’s see if they can untangle their Gordian knot with their upgrade.”

Has Newey signed with Ferrari?

Dr. Helmut Marko also denied rumors that Adrian Newey had already signed with Ferrari.

“He would have told us if it were done. We think he might go there, but I don’t believe it is signed. He will stay in Formula 1. I am sure of it.”

“Losing Adrian is a huge blow for us; he is the most successful designer since the creation of Formula 1. When you lose someone like that, it’s always a significant loss.”

“However, we have built our technical team very well with young talents. There is Ben Waterhouse and Pierre Waché. That’s why I don’t think there will be a drop in technical performance.”