Helmut Marko has given an update on the upgrades to the Red Bull cars unveiled for this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.
However, he admitted he was “annoyed” by the speed of Charles Leclerc, who looked very quick in his Ferrari in FP1 on Friday. This is despite both Red Bull cars finishing the consultation in the best of times.
Max Verstappen was quickest with team-mate Sergio Perez less than two tenths behind. Array Leclerc was sixth in the session, a second behind the Dutchman.
Speaking after race day, which was interrupted by rainy weather at Suzuka, Red Bull super advisor Marko said he was pleased with how the upgrade package fitted to the RB20s for this weekend’s occasion had worked.
“We included an update that was already in the works,” said the Austrian. “This is a complete package and this package did exactly what we expected in the first run. We’re doing well with the technical adjustments we’ve put in place. “
But he struggled some during Leclerc’s fastest lap, adding: “Charles Leclerc’s run was a bit boring. Or actually, not boring, but it was quick. In that sense, we want to see how much fuel he had on board for this run. “. “
Suzuka has been a smart track for Red Bull in recent years and Verstappen is the clear favourite to take the win again. But the 26-year-old shared a more conservative view after Friday’s practice, predicting a closer battle.
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He said: “I think it was a smart start for us. The balance wasn’t too far off, so I think it’s a wonderful way to start. But it turns out we’re all a little bit closer than we were last year. “Of course, in FP2 we couldn’t do much. There are still a few things to take a look at and try, but overall I’m pretty satisfied with FP1.
“I think in general, already all year in a lap, it turns out that other people have come close. Of course, the long-term pace, again, I have no idea what it will look like, but I don’t know. Hopefully, the differences will be like that. They were here last year at this track. “
His teammate Perez was on the same page and said: “It was a smart consultation overall,” the Mexican said. “I’m pleased with the car, I think they gave it to us in a great window. I think we’re in a very similar boat to a lot of other people around us, so I think we’ll wait until we get a better read. “
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