Marko predicts Red Bull difficulties around Monaco

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has declared the Monaco Grand Prix will present the Milton Keynes-based squad with its steepest challenge yet this year.

The reigning world champions have won five out of the opening seven races, with Max Verstappen leading the charge.

However, Red Bull has faced an increased challenge at recent events as McLaren emerged victorious at the Miami Grand Prix.

The British squad kept the pressure on Red Bull last time out at Imola with Norris coming within seven-tenths of a second of besting Verstappen.

With Red Bull aiming for its fourth consecutive win at Monaco this weekend, Marko has predicted a difficult event ahead for his team.

"We definitely need to rise up to the challenge of McLaren," Marko stated to De Telegraaf.

“Now we go to Monaco and there, it's pretty much all about qualifying. 

“I think that will be the most difficult race so far for us, also because of the bumps and kerbs there. 

“I also expect a lot from Ferrari there and especially Charles Leclerc."

Qualifying importance

With Monaco's track layout providing little opportunity to overtake due to its narrow nature, teams focus on setting the cars up for qualifying.

Marko has called on Red Bull's engineering department to rise to the challenge with rivals snapping at its heels.

"Our technical team has to work hard,” he told ServusTV. 

“As I said, qualifying is incredibly important, because you can slow down two to three seconds and still win if you drive in front. 

“We especially need to start looking at the  kerbs."