Marko clear: 'Max needs to be on the front row of the grid'

Red Bull Racing was dissatisfied after the first two free practice sessions. The difference between Mercedes and the Austrians was present in every sector, so Verstappen failed to impress. Helmut Marko isn't giving up hope though.

Verstappen can take advantage of this season. Lewis Hamilton had his combustion engine replaced, which means he has to move back ten places on the grid. It means the Briton will start the race from eleventh position at best. "We have to see that we take advantage of this as best we can," he said. "Max needs to be on the front row of the grid," Marko told Kronen Zeitung.

The Dutchman must hope that the drivers behind him don't let Hamilton past easily, giving the seven-time world champion less time to drive towards Verstappen. "As I said, it should play into our cards, especially the Ferrari engine seems better. I think we have some indirect helpers there, but we have to improve in terms of set-up until qualifying and then hope we are fast enough."

Red Bull looking for improvements in Turkey

Red Bull worked through the night to provide Verstappen's car with improvements. Saturday morning's third free practice will show what the Dutch driver can do.