The full extent of Red Bull's current "problem" with its 2024 model may not emerge until after the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix.
Dr. Helmut Marko is apprehensive about the team's downturn in competitive performance recently seen in Monaco.
During the Monaco Grand Prix, Marko highlighted an inconsistency between the car's simulated and actual handling on rough track surfaces - bumps and big kerbs. This issue was identified when the car's handling deficiencies became apparent, and it was realized that these could not be quickly resolved.
"If we change the (ride) height, we lose a lot of downforce," Marko explained to Sport1. "That's why we are limited in this area. We mainly focused on aerodynamic efficiency when designing our car."
"However, we believe that we will still have the advantage on conventional tracks like Barcelona. If not, then we really do have a problem."
While Montreal is a speedier track than Monaco, it shares the characteristic bumps and heavy kerb use, which Marko acknowledges might pose "another difficult race" for Red Bull.
"We understand the problems," he reported to motorsport-magazin.com, "but we do not understand why they exist.
"Obviously this happened to us in Singapore 2023 as well."
Since Monaco, Marko notes that engineers have been intensively working on adjustments.
"I think we will go to Canada with a different basic setting," he disclosed, "so that it is not as stiff as in Monaco. That practically cost us the entire first day of practice."
Another challenge, Marko points out, is the financial impact of Sergio Perez's crash in Monaco, which has significantly strained the team's development budget.
"Of course there will be another upgrade," he stated, "but that is now all under the condition that we have three million less. But the package is already in the works because we have to do something extra due to the stronger Ferrari and McLaren."
Despite these challenges, Marko remains confident in one key asset. "On circuits where we will not be very competitive, we can always count on the Verstappen factor," the 81-year-old expressed. "Max is currently in top form and he can make the difference."
