Marko expects little from Baku because of RB20: 'Trauma for Red Bull'

Helmut Marko is not expecting any miracles ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Red Bull advisor believes that the Baku City Circuit doesn't suit the RB20, and hopes for other rivals to also snatch points from their rivals, McLaren. The Austrian also talked about McLaren's team orders announced ahead of the weekend in Baku.

The Austrians are hoping to improve following a difficult weekend in Monza with the introduction of a new floor. However, the team's top advisor, Helmut Marko, is not optimistic ahead of the weekend: "It should be better than last time in Monza, but Baku, with the 90-degree corners, doesn't make it any easier. And Singapore next week, which is a trauma for us anyway - so I don't think we can compete well again until Texas," Marko told Kronen Zeitung.

According to the advisor, McLaren are the big favourites in Baku, as the British team have been strong no matter the layout recently. Moreover, the team declared that Oscar Piastri now also has to help Lando Norris, so that the Briton could fight against Max Verstappen for the drivers' world title. "That obviously makes it more difficult for us. But let's wait and see how Oscar Piastri reacts to this decision. It is clearly not in a driver's nature to be satisfied with number two status."

Marko also looks at Mercedes as a contender to fight at the top in Azerbaijan this weekend. It is something that could help out Red Bull as well, as Lewis Hamilton and George Russell could take important points away from McLaren. "If we are lucky, they will have a good day," Marko concluded.

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