Marko voices title fight 'handicap' fear after Perez crash

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has stated Sergio Perez's crash at the Monaco Grand Prix could leave the team “handicapped” in the title fight this year.

Perez was involved in a high-speed crash on the opening lap on Sunday after colliding with Haas' Kevin Magnussen as they ran up the hill after Turn 1.

The incident immediately eliminated Perez and Magnussen from the race, as well as the second Haas car of Nico Hulkenberg.

Marko highlighted that the severity of the crash is set cost Red Bull several million dollars.

“That clearly affects us, because there are considerations about what to do with the car,” Marko told motorsport-magazin. 

“Three million are then missing for our considerations.

“In the worst case, this means that we can do less development.”

Cost cap

Red Bull has been under increased pressure this year from rival teams, with Ferrari winning in Australia and Monaco.

McLaren has also taken a step forward this season with Lando Norris winning his maiden grand prix in Miami earlier this month.

F1 currently operates under a budget cap of $135m with crash damage not excluded from the expenses.

Although it currently holds the lead in both championships after winning five out of the opening eight races, Marko has suggested that Red Bull will struggle if it is forced to conduct aggressive development to hold off the threat from its competitors.

“If we have to do something extra due to the greater competitiveness of Ferrari and McLaren, we are naturally handicapped.”

The 81-year-old also voiced concern over Red Bull's spare parts situation ahead of next week's event in Canada following Perez's impact in Monaco.

“If there is another crash, not everything will be available for both cars,” he added.