Monaco Grand Prix

Marko names Red Bull's biggest THREAT in Monaco

Matthew Hobkinson Saturday 27 May 2023 16:27

Marko names Red Bull's biggest THREAT in Monaco

Helmut Marko has claimed that Charles Leclerc will be Red Bull’s biggest rival for the Monaco Grand Prix after Max Verstappen suffered mixed fortunes during Friday’s practice sessions.

The Dutchman finished fastest in FP2, but endured a miserable time in the earlier FP1 session, finishing in sixth.

Verstappen complained about the RB19’s set-up and went as far to suggest that the car in its current state was “unbelievably difficult to drive”.

Marko believes that the two-time world champion’s struggles were down to earlier simulation tests that did not reflect the reality of racing on track.

"The problem was the set-up we took over from the simulator," he told the assembled media.

"This gave us euphoria on Wednesday, but in reality, it didn't work out well. Now we are heading in the right direction. The set-up is not optimal yet, but it looks pretty good."

With one eye on qualifying and the race itself, Marko believes that Red Bull’s biggest challenge is likely to come from Ferrari.

"Leclerc is the biggest competitor,” he added. “Ferrari is stronger in the slow corners and has better traction.

Helmut Marko believes last year's pole-sitter Charles Leclerc is the biggest threat to Red Bull this weekend

“Mercedes doesn't look bad with Hamilton, but it's striking that the other car has so many problems.

"[Fernando] Alonso didn't have an optimal lap, he had a lot of traffic. We didn't have an optimal lap either. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't on the limit."

Latest News

Las Vegas Grand Prix Practice

F1 team DISASTER brings out shock red flag at Las Vegas Grand Prix

8 minutes ago

Las Vegas Grand Prix Practice

F1 Results Today: Hamilton ROARS back as slippery track causes chaos

3 hours ago

F1 Today

F1 News Today: Hamilton BOMBSHELL drops as Red Bull announce NEW contract for 2025

1 hour ago

GPFans Recap

Ricciardo tipped for NEW F1 role as star makes COMEBACK at Las Vegas Grand Prix - GPFans Recap

Yesterday 23:57

Las Vegas Grand Prix

F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix: The music artists set to star at STUNNING event

Yesterday 22:57

Latest F1 News

Mercedes star SHOCKED by FIA reaction after damning drivers' statement

Yesterday 21:33

More news

F1 Race Calendar 2024

GP AUSTRIA 28 - 30 Jun

George Russell

GP GREAT BRITAIN 5 - 7 Jul

Lewis Hamilton

GP HUNGARY 19 - 21 Jul

Oscar Piastri

GP BELGIUM 26 - 28 Jul

Lewis Hamilton

GP NETHERLANDS 23 - 25 Aug

Lando Norris

GP ITALY 30 Aug - 1 Sep

Charles Leclerc

GP AZERBAIJAN 13 - 15 Sep

Oscar Piastri

GP SINGAPORE 20 - 22 Sep

Lando Norris

GP USA 18 - 20 Oct

Charles Leclerc

GP MEXICO 25 - 27 Oct

GP QATAR 29 Nov - 1 Dec

GP ABU DHABI 6 - 8 Dec

Complete kalender 2024

F1 News 24/7

Races

About GPFans

GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.

We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.

With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.

Follow us on your favorite social media channel

Corporate & Media

Innovatieweg 20C
7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

Marko names Red Bull's biggest THREAT in Monaco

Marko names Red Bull's biggest THREAT in Monaco