Marko still sees opportunities in Belgium: "Long runs look great again"

Ferrari will wait another week until they get their new engine, but that hasn't stopped Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel pulling a gap in the opening two practice sessions during the Belgium Grand Prix. Mercedes has to chase, as well as Red Bull. Helmut Marko doesn't see much of an opportunity in qualifying, but he believes it could be different during the race.

"We're on the right track on every track, but I don't think anyone can beat Ferrari in a single lap. The long runs, however, are a different story. It looks great again for us there. Whether we can win here will depend on whether we can perfect the setup. That, and see if the engine runs smoother than on Friday," Marko tells Auto Motor und Sport.

In both free practice sessions, Max Verstappen suddenly lost power and had to go back to the pits with a snail's pace. According to the Dutchman, that problem should be resolved on Saturday: Then there is a newer engine out of his stock at the back of the RB15.

Just before the summer break in Hungary, Max Verstappen took his very first pole position in Formula 1. Something that was certainly celebrated, but team boss Christian Horner does not see a repeat of this happening in Belgium.

"That is impossible," the Brit resolutely believes. "But in terms of race pace, Max is fine!"