Marko: Red Bull Racing are "about the same as Mercedes" in terms of race pace
F1 News
Aston Martin Red Bull Racing only scored 12 points from the Japanese Grand Prix. It might have been Alex Albon's highest ever finish in a Formula 1 race, but for Max Verstappen, it was an unfortunate disaster. However, Helmut Marko believes he received enough information to suggest that Red Bull Racing are equal on race pace to Mercedes.
Honda have pulled the rabbit out of the hat and this what they've got. The Spec4 engine and the new fuel is as far as their package will improve for the 2019 F1 season. So far, it appears that Red Bull Racing are going backwards since the summer break, but Marko believes they're on par with the F1 world champions in the races.
“We are still clearly behind during qualifying, especially at Ferrari. On the straight, we lost no less than eight tenths. In the race we are now about the same as Mercedes," Marko told Auto Motor und Sport.
Red Bull Racing's relationship with Honda has only just started. But things could be over in just 12 months. The Japanese engine manufacturer are yet to announce whether they'll continue to make Formula 1 engines in 2021.
“Honda is still waiting for the new regulations of 2021 before they decide whether they want to stay in F1. It is important that the costs for the engine manufacturers remain low. No one else is left," Marko added.