Red Bull shares timeline for the next round of upgrades for the car

Red Bull director Helmut Marko has shed light on the Austrian outfit's upcoming upgrades ahead of the Silverstone Grand Prix. The reigning Constructors' champions enter the iconic race on the heels of a major loss to Mercedes' George Russell in what proved to be a chaotic weekend in the team's home race in Austria.

Defending champions Red Bull Racing entered the 2024 season as the undeniable favorites to once again clinch both the Drivers' and Constructors' titles with superstar Max Verstappen at the helm. While the Belgian-Dutch driver has continued to showcase similar performances as his last campaign, chinks in the RBR armor are more visible in 2024.

Initially, it was Ferrari who proved to be the closest competitors to the duo of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. However, a series of upgrades from McLaren and Mercedes have changed the paradigm at the front.

McLaren's Lando Norris claimed his first-ever Formula 1 victory earlier this season in Miami. Similarly, Mercedes' George Russell capitalized on a clash between Norris and Verstappen in Austria to win his first race of the season.

Despite these challenges, the Milton-Keynes based outfit maintains a comfortable lead in the F1 standings. Determined to stay ahead, the team is not resting on its laurels.

Helmut Marko, the head of Red Bull's driver development program, discussed the upcoming upgrades. Speaking to German outlet OE24 about the upcoming F1 event, he said:

"We'll hit back, we'll bring an upgrade (in Silverstone). I also always say: Our goal is the world championship title, and the Austrian GP helped us to achieve that."

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Helmut Marko speaks out on Red Bull's engine woes ahead of 2026 regulations

In addition to discussing the immediate upgrades, Marko addressed recent concerns regarding Red Bull Powertrains and their progress ahead of the 2026 regulations overhaul.

Reports have suggested that the Austrian outfit's power units are lagging behind their competitors' 2026 engines. However, Marko dismissed these claims, asserting that the team is on schedule with their development. Speaking to OE24, he said:

"Guess who is spreading these rumors. We are right on schedule."

He emphasized the importance of the new engine regulations, which will bring significant changes to both aerodynamics and engine technology. For the first time, RBR will produce their own engine through the Red Bull Powertrains project.

When questioned about a contingency plan if the new engine fails to meet expectations, Marko was resolute. He said:

"There isn't. Our engine has to work or get working. So many factors come into play, like the fuel, the battery, etc. It will be exciting to see who will really be at the front. In terms of horsepower, we will definitely be there."

Red Bull leads the F1 Constructors' standings with 355 points. The team has won seven races and secured 12 podium finishes in 12 races so far this season.