F1 News
Can Red Bull challenge Ferrari in Jeddah? 'There they have an advantage'
- GPblog.com
Prior to qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, all eyes were on Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen. It was expected that these two would fight it out for pole position. It was a great surprise when Sergio Perez set the fastest lap and will start from pole-position.
At Red Bull Racing they have secured their first pole position of the season, although it will not be in the name of reigning world champion Verstappen. Helmut Marko said earlier that the Dutchman was unable to find his rhythm, so he failed to set a fastest time and will start fourth on Sunday.
Red Bull must make up ground
Red Bull's advisor takes into account that a lot has to happen to beat Ferrari at the circuit in Jeddah, he explained to ServusTV. "The advantage of Ferrari is that they are immediately fast on any tyre, regardless of the temperature". Getting the tyre temperature right has proven to be a challenge all weekend and as a result many drivers needed extra time to get the tires warm enough for a fast lap.
"That shows that their car is better now or more well-behaved." Marko does think that Red Bull can start to put their house in order and close the gap on Ferrari in both championships in the coming races after their double DNF in Bahrain. "If we can get it right, the potential is there" the Austrian concluded.