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Red Bull’s RB21 Issues and Verstappen’s Absence: Helmut Marko’s Assessment of Ferrari’s Pace in Bahrain Test

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
February 28, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
0
Red Bull’s RB21 Issues and Verstappen’s Absence: Helmut Marko’s Assessment of Ferrari’s Pace in Bahrain Test

Formula One F1 - Pre-Season testing - Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain - February 27, 2025 Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko ahead of testing REUTERS/Jakub Porzycki

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In the wake of Ferrari’s impressive performance on the second day of testing in Bahrain, Red Bull’s senior advisor, Helmut Marko, issued a cautionary note, reminding all that their star driver, Max Verstappen, was not behind the wheel that day. He also provided insight into the technical glitch that held back Liam Lawson on his final test run before his highly anticipated debut in Australia.

The Bahrain testing day was far from typical, with uncharacteristic chilly weather and looming rain clouds adding a layer of complexity to the proceedings. The rain did indeed make its appearance, throwing a wrench in the morning plans for all teams, save for Aston Martin and Haas who had wisely requested wet-weather Pirelli tyres for their range.

Marko acknowledged the weather’s impact, citing, “We were a little bit handicapped with the rain, and we couldn’t do all our programmes.” Despite the unexpected precipitation, Red Bull pressed on, executing several programmes and making the most of the testing day.

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However, the inclement weather was not the sole challenge for Red Bull. Lawson, who was scheduled for extensive morning laps, was limited to a mere 28 due to an engine cooler malfunction on the RB21. Marko confirmed that a leak in “one of the coolers” was the culprit.

When questioned about the extent of the delay this issue caused, Marko estimated a loss of “at least 40 minutes.” He wryly noted that without these hurdles, they would have had a more fruitful session, but was quick to add, “we did what we could do, and basically we are in line.”

Despite the morning’s setbacks, Lawson rebounded, clocking 91 laps by the day’s end. This successful recovery operation followed a promising first day on the track with the RB21, which had garnered positive feedback from the Red Bull team.

Marko confirmed that the team’s initial positive impressions of the car’s performance remained intact after the second day of testing, even in the face of the challenges presented by the weather and mechanical issues.

The conversation then steered towards Ferrari’s strong showing on the day. Marko acknowledged their competitiveness, but quickly added a reminder about Verstappen’s absence from the RB21 on the second day. “They looked yes, very competitive today,” said Marko on Ferrari, “but Max wasn’t driving, for example.”

Marko’s comments serve as a gentle warning to competitors, reminding them not to get too comfortable. With Verstappen set to drive the Red Bull RB21 for the full third and final day of testing in Bahrain, the dynamics on the track are likely to shift.

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