Red Bull‘s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has detailed how the team struggled to prepare the RB20 for the rigors of the repaved Interlagos circuit.
Max Verstappen took fourth place in qualifying for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix sprint race, while Sergio Perez was eliminated in SQ2. The Mexican pilot will start the sprint race, which is one-third the length of the normal race, from 13th place.
The new asphalt at the Interlagos circuit is bumpier than the old version, further highlighting one of Red Bull’s known weaknesses.
Throughout this season, Red Bull drivers have struggled to extract maximum performance from the RB20 on tracks with difficult curbs or uneven surfaces. Add to this the narrow balance range of the car, and Verstappen and Perez have difficulty competing with teams that have become stronger throughout the season, such as McLaren and Ferrari.
Sprint Pole man Oscar Piastri, McLaren MCL38, arrives in Parc Ferme
Photo: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
With McLaren closing the first line for the sprint race and Verstappen being among the Ferraris, Marko explained Red Bull’s expectations from the race.
“We are too slow,” Marko told Sky Sports Germany.
“We are losing too much time to McLaren in turns four and nine.”
“There are a few issues and it doesn’t help that the track is rough; “When you enter the curbs too much, the car starts to bounce.”
“I think it will be very difficult or virtually impossible to keep up with McLaren. Ferrari looks attainable, at least in the sprint race. But considering the single-lap performance, the difference is huge.” he said.
There was also a positive development for the Red Bull family in the sprint qualifying. Liam Lawson, who replaced Daniel Ricciardo at VCARB, continued his impressive performance in SQ3 and set the eighth fastest lap. Yuki Tsunoda was eliminated in SQ1.
“He was very solid again,” Marko said of Lawson’s performance.
“This is his first time racing here and he drives flawlessly.”
“And even when under pressure, as in the SQ3, it performs at its absolute best.” he said.
