Helmut Marko says Red Bull will need to find performance themselves if Max Verstappen is to challenge McLaren for the title in Abu Dhabi, admitting the team’s FP2 setup changes did not work.

Verstappen finished over three and a half tenths behind Lando Norris and lacked pace over both short and long runs, with Marko noting that Norris appeared faster in every phase.

He explained that Red Bull struggled with understeer, particularly in sector three, an issue Verstappen highlighted immediately over team radio. Marko said the gap is "not alarming" but "not comfortable," and tyre wear was higher than McLaren’s, although only compared to Norris.

He added that Ferrari and Mercedes currently lack the pace to help contain McLaren’s points haul. Marko concluded Red Bull cannot rely on another McLaren error after recent lucky breaks.

Lando Norris leads the title fight by 12 points over Max Verstappen and 16 over Oscar Piastri heading into Abu Dhabi, and McLaren CEO Zak Brown says both drivers have already been briefed on the team’s approach for the finale.

Brown explained that McLaren will use "common sense" when making calls, stressing they will not risk losing the drivers' championship over minor position swaps. He referenced last year’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, when Piastri was nearly out of title contention yet was supported by Norris as the race unfolded.

Brown said both drivers understand the game plan and that decisions will follow the team’s established principles. When asked whether Piastri would comply with a team order, Brown expressed complete confidence, noting both drivers have always acted in the team’s best interest.

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