Marko does not see Lawson underperforming: 'Antonelli was the same'
16:00, 14 Mar 2025
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A filmmaker with a soft spot for Ronnie Peterson, Gilles Villeneuve, Mika Hakkinen and above all, Tazio Nuvolari and Ayrton Senna, is also a diehard Formula One fan since the age of 4 (mid-90's). An avid researcher of the past of Grand Prix Racing since before it was even named F1, and with a thirst for knowledge of the ins and outs of the actuality of the sport, as well as for the technical aspects that define it, is a member of GPblog since 2023, where he has put his love of racing to good use.
Liam Lawson was off the pace in both Friday practice sessions during the season opener in Australia. The New Zealander could not even manage to climb higher than P17 during the afternoon sessions, a pinful six tenths adrift from team-mate Max Verstappen. Yet this did not worry Helmut Marko.
Red Bull tested different noses for the RB21. Marko stated to GPblog and others in Melbourne that no decision has yet been made on which spec will be used in the remainder of the weekend. "No. They will analyze the data and then make [a] decision [on] what will be on the car tomorrow," the Austrian advisor said as he left Red Bull garage.
In defense of Lawson
When asked by GPblog, Marko confirmed that there were no major differences between Lawson's and Verstappen's cars. He said the specifications were virtually the same. That there was nevertheless a big difference in terms of fastest time between the two, Marko did not find it particularly shocking. "Liam, you have to compare with Antonelli, who is also the first time here, and they are equal on times."
Incidentally, the same was true for Racing Bulls' Isack Hadjar, who made a good impression in FP2 securing a P6. "It was impressive. Fast and no mistakes," said Marko, who also confirmed that the French Algerian talent, known for his temper over radio, had remained particularly calm over the radio.
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Overview
Friday 12.06.26
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Practice 2
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Saturday 13.06.26
Practice 3
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Practice 2
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