A new wind tunnel is expected to help Red Bull regain its competitive edge in Formula 1, according to the team's senior consultant, Dr. Helmut Marko.
Amid ongoing issues at the start of the 2024 season, along with a loss of dominance, key staff departures, and mounting speculation about the future, Max Verstappen's father, Jos, revealed that he "warned about" the situation early on if Christian Horner remained in his position.
Marko, however, defended the team's struggles, calling them "natural" as successful teams inevitably face challenges holding onto key personnel when rivals offer better positions and salaries.
"It is a natural development when you are as successful as we were, that people are poached," he told formel1.de. "And of course there is always only one person who can hold these top positions."
Most recently, Red Bull's strategy boss, Will Courtenay, was signed to become McLaren's new sporting director. However, Marko is confident the team can move forward, naming Hannah Schmitz as Courtenay's replacement.
"What we offered him (Courtenay), he was not that interested. He received an offer that is more attractive in terms of position and also financially," Marko added.
Marko also stressed the importance of the team uniting to help Verstappen defend his lead in the drivers' championship.
"It's clear. We have to work together to win this championship," he said.
"We also have to be able to build a successful car. I am optimistic that when Max wins again and Sergio (Perez) takes third or fourth places, it will look different again," Marko added, commenting on McLaren's current lead in the constructors' championship.
Although second place finishes for Verstappen, combined with Lando Norris winning every remaining race, could still secure the drivers' title for the Dutchman, Marko remains doubtful.
"We can only do it if Max wins at least two more races," he stated. "If he does that, things will also look a lot more optimistic in the constructors'."
Marko acknowledged that Red Bull has made improvements since their low point at Monza, but the recent progress is "not enough."
"We have worked very hard on improving," Marko said. "But I think the real difference in performance will only be shown in Austin. We will have something else there," he added, referring to car upgrades.
"But I agree with Horner - Monza was more than a wake-up call. That was the worst race since ... I can't even remember when. In terms of strategy, pitstop, speed, we were way off."
"Now, at least, we should not have small changes ruining the performance, or temperature differences of six or seven degrees ruining the performance. Max just needs a car that bites at the front."
Regarding Verstappen's future, speculation is rife that he may activate an exit clause at the end of next year, potentially joining Mercedes or Aston Martin. But Marko insists Red Bull is a team for the future.
"A modern wind tunnel will help us," he said. "Our wind tunnel dates from just after the second world war. That has its disadvantages, of course. It takes a very long time to increase the temperature in it."
"The tunnel is simply outdated. We are far from up-to-date with the latest techniques, so I hope that our new wind tunnel can be put into use in 2026."
