Dr. Helmut Marko has sounded the Red Bull alarms after a "crazy" defeat to Lando Norris in last weekend's Singapore Grand Prix.
Red Bull did not expect to be competitive at the Marina Bay Circuit, yet Max Verstappen secured a front row start and converted it into a second place finish.
However, the three-time world champion finished 21 seconds behind his closest title rival, who was in a league of his own throughout the majority of the weekend.
Norris' victory has reduced Verstappen's lead in the drivers' championship to 52 points with six races and three sprints remaining.
In the constructors' championship, McLaren has extended its advantage over Red Bull to 41 points, as Oscar Piastri completed the podium in Singapore.
Once again, Verstappen was unable to count on the support of Sergio Perez, who was eliminated in Q2 and only secured a single point in the race.
Singapore was not a complete disaster for the Milton Keynes-based outfit, who now have just over three weeks before heading to the United States Grand Prix.
Red Bull has time to investigate what is unsettling the RB20, with potential upgrades also set to be introduced at the next race.
The Red Bull advisor recognises upgrades and more performance are required, as Norris' Singapore pace was a significant concern.
"It's crazy how he [Norris] has pulled away," Marko told OE24. "Our deficit is alarming.
"We urgently need performance. Thank God we now have four weeks to work on it. There should be a lot to come."
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they look back on last weekend's Singapore Grand Prix. Max Verstappen's punishment for swearing and Daniel Ricciardo's likely last F1 race are major talking points.
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