Marko teases McLaren WEAKNESS in championship battle

Red Bull chief Helmut Marko has identified McLaren’s weakness in their championship battle during the 2024 Formula 1 season.

Following a dominant start to the year from Max Verstappen, McLaren revived the season and entered a championship battle with Red Bull after Lando Norris’ maiden win at the Miami Grand Prix.

F1 HEADLINES: Verstappen in MAJOR loss admission as FIA announce official decision

READ MORE: Ricciardo statement issued after FIERY clash over F1 exit

Not only did McLaren’s pace begin to converge with their rivals, but certain weaknesses were soon exposed on the RB20.

The Miami, Imola and Monaco grands prix demonstrated Red Bull’s inability to deal with the bumps and kerbs, and their balance issues rendered them unable to commit upon corner entry.

McLaren weakness exposed in F1 title battle

Whilst Red Bull’s performance hindered the team in the constructors’ championship, Verstappen still clinched the drivers' title ahead of Norris.

McLaren, on the other hand, claimed their first constructors’ trophy since 1998, but failed to escape scrutiny in their resurgence this season.

The team’s attitude towards Norris and Oscar Piastri garnered criticism, with the talented pair often taking points off each other and hindering McLaren's chances in the drivers' championship.

F1 AWARDS VOTE: Hamilton and Verstappen set for 2024 fan battle

Red Bull chief Marko has since outlined their weaknesses in the title fight, and criticised their tactical decisions during the 2024 season.

"It was a very difficult year for us, especially with our technical problems," Marko said to Kleine Zeitung.

"At some point we no longer knew where we had taken a wrong turn and at times we only had the fourth-fastest car.

"In this situation Max saved us by getting around the car's weaknesses. The turning point was definitely his incredible performance in the rain in Brazil.

"Despite the technical problems, we never made any mistakes in terms of strategy, unlike McLaren in some situations."

READ MORE: McLaren driver announcement causes stunning backlash

Related

F1 News & Gossip

Red Bull chief calls for BAN as F1 future discussed

• December 31, 2024 09:55
• 3

Mercedes

Mercedes F1 star axe THREAT revealed after stunning claim

• December 30, 2024 19:58