Helmut Marko signals Red Bull alarm after 'depressing' Miami GP result

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has called on Red Bull to find performance after enduring a “depressing” Miami Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen couldn’t convert his pole position to victory as he was overtaken early on by both McLaren drivers, who went on to capture a second one-two finish of the campaign.

The Dutchman missed out on a podium finish when he was jumped by George Russell in the pit lane, as the Mercedes driver benefited from a pit stop under a virtual safety car.

Verstappen crossed the line 40 seconds down on winner Oscar Piastri - leaving Marko to cut a dejected figure after the chequered flag.

"The main conclusion is we are too slow," the Austrian said, as quoted by Autosport.

"We saw when they were driving flat out, we are seven-tenths of a second behind. We saw the real speed for the first time.”

"We have to find some performance straight away, but it was depressing how quick the McLarens really are."

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has dismissed suggestions the squad is set for a major Imola upgrade in an effort to boost its form.

When asked if the next upgrade package would be enough to close the deficit to championship leaders McLaren, Marko stated: “It has to [be], but such a big step is difficult to catch up.”

Red Bull clinched another solitary point in Miami as Yuki Tsunoda drove to 10th place, despite copping a five-second time penalty for speeding in the pit lane.