BREAKING:Helmut Marko Alleged that McLaren Had A...read more

Helmut Marko Alleged that McLaren Had 0.3s Edge Over Red Bull

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has suggested that McLaren may have held a 0.3-second advantage over Red Bull during pre-season testing, signaling a potential shift in the competitive order for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

McLaren impressed throughout the Bahrain test, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri delivering consistently strong lap times. Their performance has sparked speculation that the team could be a genuine title contender alongside Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes. Marko acknowledged McLaren’s pace, admitting that the Woking-based squad appeared quicker in certain conditions.

*”From the data we’ve seen, McLaren looked particularly strong in both short and long runs. At times, they seemed to have an advantage of about three-tenths of a second over us,”* Marko told reporters.

However, the Austrian remained confident in Red Bull’s ability to improve before the season opener in Australia. He noted that testing results do not always reflect true race performance, as fuel loads, tire strategies, and setup variations can all impact lap times.

Despite Red Bull’s recent dominance, McLaren’s apparent step forward could add excitement to the championship battle. The team made significant progress last season and has carried that momentum into 2025. If Marko’s assessment is accurate, Red Bull may face its toughest challenge yet.

With the first race just around the corner, all eyes will be on McLaren to see if their testing pace translates into race-winning form when the lights go out in Melbourne.