Helmut Marko explains Red Bull struggles after disappointing Brazil sprint qualifying

Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko says Max Verstappen’s issues at Interlagos stem from a lack of downforce and grip in the second sector. This, compounded by a sensitive soft tyre, has resulted in a disappointing sixth-place start for the reigning champion in tomorrow’s sprint race. 

Speaking to ORF after the Brazilian GP sprint qualifying, Marko gave a blunt response when asked about the deficit seen by the Red Bull drivers.

“We’re within hundredths of a second in sectors one and three. In sector two, where most of the corners are, we simply lack the necessary downforce and grip. So I don’t see any possibilities for the sprint race, unless it rains, perhaps.”

The Milton Keynes outfit will be able to make adjustments following Saturday’s sprint race, meaning the data collected over the 24 laps of race distance is incredibly important. 

“But the key thing is that we evaluate the data from the sprint accordingly. Yuki Tsunoda is on the same set-up, which means we get twice the data so we can find out why we are losing so much in sector two.”

McLaren’s Lando Norris took sprint pole ahead of Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, with Oscar Piastri rounding out the top three. Verstappen finished 0.337 seconds behind the leader.

“We’re losing four tenths over a relatively short period of time and we’re just not getting any grip. It went better with the medium tyres, but ultimately it’s a question of downforce and something doesn’t seem to be working properly.”

As for team-mate Yuki Tsunoda, he finished a bruising 18th, 1.449s behind Norris. After clipping the wall in practice, he was eliminated in Q1 of sprint qualifying, leaving him to fight from the back. 

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Mark Thompson – Getty Images

“It’s a bit disappointing,” Marko said. “We expected more, but as I said, when the car is more difficult to drive, we’ve always seen that the gap to Max increases accordingly.”

Responding to his poor qualifying, the Japanese driver was clearly disappointed.

“Lap was pretty okay in the qualifying, just what I’ve done. It’s mysterious. Just lack of grip, to be honest, overall. Lap itself, I’m not really… I can’t really find now what I’m sort of [missing],” he said.

“I don’t want to really pray for rain or dry, but so far I have to find something in the car because I just don’t understand why.”

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