Marko drops bold Monza prediction after promising pace shown

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko believes there is optimism for the rest of the Italian Grand Prix, saying that the Austrian team can "fight for the win".

It has been a challenging 2025 so far for Red Bull, with the RB21 unable to keep up with the dominating McLarens, meaning Max Verstappen looks set to miss out on a fifth consecutive world championship title.

The Dutchman currently sits on 205 points, 104 points off the pace of championship leader Oscar Piastri, with the Australian tallying seven wins so far this campaign.

Max Verstappen does have two wins to his name in 2025, and Helmut Marko believes the Dutchman might be able to find a third in Monza

Marko setting high expectations in Monza

However, despite the challenges that Verstappen and Red Bull have faced, the 27-year-old has been able to stand on the top step of the podium twice this season.

But after Friday's running at Monza, with Verstappen taking P4 and P6 in FP1 and FP2, respectively, there is huge motivation in the pace shown, highlighted by Marko.

"We have made a few updates, and also how we have built the cars," the 82-year-old explained to GPblog, with Red Bull turning their fortunes around after a challenging 2024 Italian Grand Prix weekend.

"We have a different philosophy now, and that seems to be working. The package together makes a difference."

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The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix was Red Bull's last taste of victory, and Marko is hopeful that feeling will be coming to the garage sooner rather than later.

"The car is fast, so generally, it is ok," Marko continued when asked about Verstappen's complaints over the radio regarding the bumpiness of the RB21's ride.

"Over the long run, yes, the low downforce configuration is very efficient. We just need a little more traction to come from the soft tyre.

"We hope to fight with some others for the win, I would say, if McLaren doesn't show up, and there is something extra tomorrow, too."