P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has admitted it will be more reliant on “the Max Verstappen factor” in 2024 to counter the growing challenge from its Formula 1 rivals. Verstappen began the current season with four victories from the opening five races as Red Bull’s dominance with the latest ground effect cars appeared to continue. […]
Verstappen showed strong performance in the beginning of the current season with four wins in the first five races, indicating Red Bull’s dominant streak with the latest ground effect cars. However, they faced setbacks in Miami and Monaco last month, with Verstappen narrowly escaping pressure from Lando Norris at Imola. The Dutch driver struggled in Monte Carlo due to his RB20 car’s inability to handle bumps and kerbs like Ferrari or McLaren cars. Red Bull’s aerodynamic-focused concept has left them vulnerable on certain tracks, as Marko highlighted the need to maintain an advantage on more traditional circuits. Verstappen’s skill on upcoming circuits with bumps and kerbs will be crucial, as both he and Marko acknowledge the significance of addressing Red Bull’s weaknesses for sustained competitiveness across all tracks.
