Red Bull Shockingly “Expects a Lot” from Imola Upgrade, Issues Thunderous Warning to Stunned F1 Rivals

Red Bull Shockingly “Expects a Lot” from Imola Upgrade, Issues Thunderous Warning to Stunned F1 Rivals –

Marko Confirms RB20 Update for Emilia Romagna GP

Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, has confirmed that the team’s dominant RB20 car will receive an upgrade package at the forthcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola. This declaration comes as a stern warning to Red Bull’s rivals in the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship.

High Expectations for Performance Boost

In an interview with Austrian broadcaster oe24, Marko expressed high expectations for the upcoming upgrades. “We are bringing an upgrade to Imola, which I expect a lot from,” he stated, suggesting that Red Bull’s already formidable car could become even more potent.

Downplaying Miami Setback

Despite Max Verstappen’s recent defeat at the hands of McLaren’s Lando Norris in Miami, Marko remained unfazed. “I’m not worried because Norris is more than 50 points behind Verstappen,” he remarked, emphasizing the substantial lead Red Bull still enjoys in the Drivers’ Championship.

Analyzing Miami Performance

Marko acknowledged Red Bull’s shortcomings at the Miami Grand Prix, admitting, “We were just too slow.” However, he downplayed the impact of the damage sustained by Verstappen’s car after hitting a bollard, stating, “Max believes it wasn’t that serious.”

Praising Norris, Fearing Increased Threat

While commending Norris’s maiden victory, Marko suggested that the British driver might have struggled without the timely Safety Car intervention. “Norris would have had a hard time closing the gap behind Max, and overtaking in Miami is also very difficult,” he contended.

Nevertheless, Marko recognized the potential threat Norris could pose going forward. “But now it is to be feared that Lando Norris will become even more dangerous for him on the track. Because the pressure is off now,” he warned.

Reliability Concerns and Consistent Focus

Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, revealed that Verstappen’s car suffered “quite a lot of damage” in Miami, highlighting potential reliability concerns. Marko acknowledged the need for Red Bull to maintain focus, stating, “But Miami shows that we need to concentrate on the sporting side of things.”

“Red Bull’s ability to consistently introduce performance-enhancing upgrades has been a hallmark of their success in recent years,” commented F1 analyst Martin Brundle. “Their rivals will be watching Imola closely, as any significant step forward could make Red Bull’s advantage even more formidable.”