Marko concerned over Verstappen s Red Bull future

SAKHIR – Red Bull’s early-season struggles amid set-up concerns have the team scrambling for ways to improve, after four-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen finished in sixth place on April 13 in the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Everything from balance issues with the set-up on the cars to pit stops and Friday practice sessions all have come into focus.

“The concern is great,” Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko told Sky Germany, reported The Athletic.

“Improvements must come in the near future so that he has a car with which he can win again. We need to create a foundation with a car so that he can fight for the world championship.”

Verstappen had a dominant 2023 season, winning 19 of the 22 grands prix and finishing on the podium 21 times.

In 2024, he won nine times in 24 races but Red Bull relinquished the team constructors’ championship to McLaren.

That came, according to The Athletic, as Red Bull encountered balance issues with the cars that are continuing this season. The fix, reportedly, is a long-term one.

F1 analysts like Sky’s Ralf Schumacher, who won six races across 11 F1 seasons, believe Verstappen could go as far as to leave Red Bull if the improvements are not forthcoming.

Verstappen is third in the drivers standings after four races, eight points behind leader Lando Norris and five behind Oscar Piastri, both of McLaren.

While Verstappen is under contract until 2028 with Red Bull, Marko has said there are opt-out clauses.

In the constructors’ championship standings, McLaren have 151 points, Mercedes have 93 and Red Bull are next at 71.

McLaren, meanwhile, seem to be a much more cohesive camp.

Norris was self-critical after suffering setbacks in Bahrain at the weekend, but McLaren principal Andrea Stella said the driver was being unfair