F1 News: Beating superior McLarens in Barcelona unlikely

(GMM) The Rob Marshall designed McLaren cars are so superior a podium is probably the most Max Verstappen can hope for on Sunday, Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko admits.

Rob Marshall, chief technical officer at McLaren Mercedes, talks with Mark Webber during the Spanish GP, Barcelona 29 May-1 June 2025, Montemelò Formula 1 World championship 2025.

Especially with the front wing flexibility clampdown coming into effect in Barcelona, the team was hoping for an Imola-like performance this weekend.

“I never really expected much,” Verstappen, P3 in the championship and P3 on the grid ahead of the Spanish GP, told Viaplay.

“Of course McLaren’s wing deflected a lot,” he added, “but that is also a balance thing, and you also have setup options to deal with that.

“When you are as fast as they are, this is only a small part of it.”

Marko, 82, admits he is also slightly disappointed.

“The gap to pole position is a little bigger than we expected,” said the Austrian.

“At the same time, we’re only a tenth of a second behind (Lando) Norris. For the race, we’re maybe not optimistic about winning, but a podium finish should be possible.”

Marko says the problem is still a loss of tire grip when the temperature rises.

“I don’t know how we’re going to solve that,” he confesses.