Red Bull is currently trailing behind not just one, but two Formula 1 teams as the 2024 season enters its second half.
Red Bull's F1 consultant, Dr. Helmut Marko, shared with Speed Week: "Thank God there is an update in Budapest and we hope it will take us a step forward."
Marko pointed out that Red Bull now requires flawless execution to clinch race victories. "One thing is certain," he added, "The update has to work, because we are currently behind McLaren - and if you look at the race in England, we are also behind Mercedes."
However, there's a silver lining, according to the 81-year-old Austrian. Red Bull's competitors seem to be alternating in race wins, aiding Max Verstappen in maintaining and even bolstering his points lead. "But we can't rely on that," Marko emphasized.
"I also believe that Ferrari is no longer in the running. But we have to be able to win again on our own - that's our goal."
"We still have 12 race weekends ahead of us and we can't rely on there always being others behind us and now ahead of us and benefiting from that."
Another challenge for Red Bull is in the constructors' championship, with Sergio Perez currently and consistently now struggling to accumulate mere points. "We need two drivers at the front for the constructors' championship and we still hope that Sergio will find his form again," Marko mentioned.
"We will evaluate the situation after the next two races in the summer break and then we will see."
Marko also hinted at other changes in the driver lineup, noting that Liam Lawson is nearing a full-time F1 position, potentially replacing 34-year-old Daniel Ricciardo at the junior RB team.
"It's good that young people are coming to Formula 1, I'm absolutely in favour of that," he remarked, referencing 2024 Haas rookie Oliver Bearman.
"I can't name any names, but there are drivers in the field who are stagnating and are better or worse depending on the mood," Marko added. "They are blocking the way for the young drivers. The teams are also afraid of juniors," he continued.
"Of course they make mistakes, but I'd rather someone makes mistakes and has hope for the future than there being no further improvement."
