Red Bull Braces for Tough Races in Miami, Monaco

Red Bull anticipates challenges in upcoming Miami and Monaco races, with qualifications and track conditions playing pivotal roles in their performance against fierce competitors like Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes.

Dr. Helmut Marko has warned that Red Bull could face a tougher challenge this weekend in Miami.

On the track so far in 2024, the leading Formula 1 team of the energy drink company has continued and even extended its recent dominance with three-time world champion Max Verstappen.

“Five weekends, five different circuits, five pole positions for Max Verstappen, four wins,” Marko says in summary before the end of the first quarter of the season this weekend.

“At this point, we can reasonably say that we have a fast car on any type of track.”

What’s more, Marko adds, is that Red Bull’s closest pursuers – Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes – “are experiencing ups and downs” in their own performances.

“I like this, because it means that our lead increases if someone different finishes behind us each time. We were astonished in China when Lando Norris was the second force.”

However, Marko says that Red Bull also has some concerns.

“Tire wear in Melbourne was unusually high for us. So we are fast, yes, but the track surface and the circuit can make a difference.”

“Where our opponents might close the gap a bit on us are Miami and Monaco, especially since they’ve come closer to us in the qualifiers. I imagine it won’t be easy to be in pole position there.”

“But I expect us to still be competitive in Miami, even if the conditions will be completely different again – hot and humid. We’ll have to see how sensitive the tires are to changing conditions.”

“We will fight for the victory but whichever of our pursuers has the best day can play a big role, and that will continue to vary depending on the track.”

Verstappen in talks with Mercedes F1?

Marko did not want to comment on the news that Max Verstappen would be meeting with Mercedes F1 after Miami and before Imola, information we brought to you as early as Friday evening (read here).

The Dutchman will have a high-level meeting with his father, his manager Raymond Vermeulen, Toto Wolff, Ola Kallenius (CEO of Mercedes), and Jim Ratcliffe (CEO of Ineos) to discuss a possible transfer and, most importantly, plans that might make Mercedes F1 competitive again in 2026.

On the side of Jos Verstappen, there’s no longer any hiding. He commented on the news during a rally this weekend.

“I think everyone really wants Max. Max is doing very well right now. He has a fast car, but yes, we also need to look further. We are also looking towards 2026. We are going to look at everything, see what comes. But we remain very calm and will see what happens.”