Helmut Marko is optimistic about Red Bull's 2021 prospects, but he also has a back-up scenario should their assault on the constructor and driver world titles prove unsuccessful. The Austrian, who is currently a team adviser, insists that the focus will shift to 2022 if Mercedes prove too difficult to beat. Marko has recently spoken of the great strides Honda have made with its power unit for the upcoming season. However, he also admits that could be largely irrelevant if the Silver Arrows managed to achieve similar gains over the winter. "This year we face the enormous task of both fighting for the world title and getting ready for the new regulations in 2022," said Marko in conversation with Speedweek. "Especially considering the introduction of the budget limit, that is a huge job." Henceforth, if their target does prove to be slightly too ambitions this time around, the 2022 season could quickly become the primary focus for Red Bull. "Should we prove unable to fight for the world title this year, we will focus on the 2022 project. "If we do compete for the title, we will have to tackle these two huge assignments with limited resources", Marko concludes. The comments come at a slightly inopportune time, as Max Verstappen has a clause in his contract which stipulates that he can leave the team in the event of disappointing results. Underwhelming performances in 2021 could prove to be disastrous if the Dutchman - who Red Bull have spent so much time and money developing - decides that he sees his future elsewhere on the grid.
Most read
