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Helmut Marko

Helmut Marko makes astonishing Adrian Newey admission after Lawson exit

It is fair to say Red Bull's cars have not been the same since Adrian Newey left the team 11 months ago.

Marko Australia
Article
To news overview © XPBimages

Helmut Marko has conceded Red Bull is missing design guru Adrian Newey as it struggles to get to grips with a car that has led to the axing of Liam Lawson.

Lawson has been demoted to Racing Bulls after just two grands prix in his Red Bull career, with Yuki Tsunoda promoted to replace the New Zealander, starting with his home race next up in Japan.

Marko has since brutally conceded that turning to Lawson as the replacement for Sergio Perez, who was paid off to leave the team at the end of last year, was "a mistake", further claiming the 23-year-old was unable to cope with the pressure.

The 81-year-old has at least additionally stated the RB21, the handful of a car that has proven to be Lawson's downfall, is "difficult to drive".

It was a car which Lawson could not get to grips with, culminating in him exiting the first session of all three qualifying sessions in which he took part and, worse still, finishing slowest in qualifying for the sprint and grand prix in China.

The suggestion is Red Bull's car has not been the same since Newey left the team at the start of May last year before deciding to join Aston Martin, starting work on March 3.

Marko has now admitted the lack of performance in the RB21 is related to the fact Newey is no longer with Red Bull.

"Of course, we're missing a man like that," said Marko, speaking to OE24. "A Newey is a Newey."

In Red Bull's defence, Marko added: "But we're a team of almost a thousand people. The crew behind him was built up gradually."

There is a suggestion Lawson may be returning to a car that is quicker than the Red Bull he drove over the two grand prix weekends in Australia and China.

Explaining the differences between the two cars, Marko stated: "It's true the RB21 is difficult to drive.

"The Racing Bull is easier to handle and very fast on a qualifying lap. But in the race, it lags significantly behind the Red Bull Racing car."

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