Marko wants to break negative record after seven years: "That has to change"

At the end of November 2013, Sebastian Vettel was the last driver on behalf of Red Bull Racing to occupy the top spot in the World Championship. Next weekend in Portugal, it will be Max Verstappen who has the chance to ensure that the Austrian racing team once again delivers the number one driver in the World Championship for the first time in over seven years.

Between 2014 and 2021 it was always a Mercedes driver who led the world championship, but Helmut Marko is now hoping to change that. "That has to change in Portimao. We bring small updates, have shown that we are competitive at all circuits. And I think Portugal suits us as well."

Benefit for Red Bull?

The Portimao circuit has a special layout with a very twisty section. It suits the characteristics of the RB16B well, the Red Bull advisor believes. "A car with stable handling is at an advantage here, and that's what we have. Also, the warmer it is, the better we get going. Compared to Imola it's ten degrees warmer in Portimao, which is significant. I think that's an advantage for us as well."

So the relatively warm weather conditions may play more into Red Bull's hands. Mercedes are the favourites to field Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, but Marko thinks that's a little too easy. "Well, there is still something to be said for Mercedes when it comes to requesting extra electrical power," he said.