Helmut Marko reveals cause of huge Red Bull deficit

Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko has explained the reason for Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda's poor pace during the first two practice sessions at the Monaco Grand Prix.

The Austrian suggested the six-time constructors' champions went in the wrong direction with setting up the RB21 for the rigours of the streets of Monte Carlo.

Whilst Verstappen was second and tenth fastest in the two sessions, Tsunoda could only manage P14 and P11 across the two hours of running.

Last term at the Circuit de Monaco, the RB20 had one of its worst weekends of the season as it was unable to deal with the bumps and kerbs of the principality.

Although talk has been quiet on that front this year with its successor, the team's set-up misstep could compound an already existing issue.

The Milton Keynes-based squad often struggles to get up to speed on Fridays at F1 weekends, a persistent problem that has affected the team for the past year.

It was the case at the previous round, in Imola, but Red Bull was able to turn things around as Verstappen stormed to his second victory of the campaign.

Ahead of the round in Monaco, the four-time F1 drivers' champion addressed the issue, outlining its cause - and how the team tackles it.

Despite the difficulties, Marko can see light at the end of the tunnel, pointing to the RB21's strong long-run pace. However, he expects Ferrari to be the team to beat, as it was in Monaco 12 months ago.

"The setup was probably wrong," the 82-year-old told Sky Sports Germany. "Max had quite a lot of understeer. We have to find a compromise again where we get rid of the understeer, but don't go too far.

"On the other hand, the last or penultimate lap in the long run was again very good. But I think Ferrari is clear favourite here."