Helmut Marko is a key figure in the Red Bull team. Dr. Helmut Marko and the Red Bull RB-20 (images via IMAGO) After a disastrous weekend at the Australian GP, where one driver did not finish and the other finished in fifth place, the pressure was mounting on the Austrian team. However, the team was determined to bounce back and show their dominance at the Japanese GP, despite the rising performance of their rivals. The team advisor, , expressed satisfaction with Red Bull’s performance on Friday.
Although Red Bull started the season strongly and aimed to dominate all twenty-four races this year, Ferrari, the Italian powerhouse, has hindered their ambitions and is closing in on them. This improvement in Ferrari’s performance has raised questions about their ability to challenge Red Bull at Suzuka, with showcasing impressive performances on long stints. However, is not concerned about this possibility and is happy with the team’s performance.
“We are very pleased. We introduced some significant updates and they worked well. Ferrari’s long run was really impressive, with [Charles] Leclerc being a second faster. However, this is not the reality. If they use less fuel, which Ferrari tends to do, they are close to us,” said the Austrian.
Despite the Monegasque driver being one second faster than Red Bull’s drivers, the Austrian believes that on race day, Red Bull will be faster as Ferrari uses less fuel during free practice sessions. At the Japanese GP, the Red Bull team had an all-Japanese lineup in FP1, with taking ‘s place and showing a decent pace at the Suzuka International racing circuit.
After FP1, the 80-year-old team advisor was seen praising the Japanese driver for his performance in the VCARB 01. He stated that Iwasa was within a second of his compatriot, , which is considered a success for his first outing in Formula 1. Furthermore, there have been rumors that the 22-year-old driver has been in contact with for a potential drive by 2026.
However, Iwasa is just one of many drivers waiting for their breakthrough in Formula 1. Meanwhile, the Austrian team advisor will be focused on the senior team and hoping for a strong performance in Japan from their star driver, .