Dr Helmut Marko is hoping Lando Norris finds his groove again in Monaco, as Red Bull looks to revive Max Verstappen's championship bid.
Norris enjoyed a strong start to the 2025 season, but Oscar Piastri, his less experienced McLaren teammate, has surged ahead in recent races, crediting his leap in consistency for his current frontrunner status in the title race.
The balance of power shifted at Imola, however, after Red Bull introduced a major upgrade package. Alongside whispers of a regulatory tweak that may have curbed McLaren's edge, Verstappen's daring first-lap move on Piastri also made an impact.
"That was definitely the overtake of the year, without a doubt," George Russell said in Monaco, acknowleding the Dutchman's skills despite not being close to Verstappen personally.
Marko, Red Bull's 82-year-old motorsport consultant, had previously considered Verstappen's hopes of a fifth title unlikely. But Imola has renewed his optimism — cautiously.
"Max needs five or six wins to be in contention for the title," he told sport.de.
"That will be very difficult because McLaren have proven that their car is effective on any track, with any tyres, in any weather. Everything has to come together and work for us to have a chance."
The Red Bull advisor is now hoping the inter-team rivalry at McLaren could swing things Red Bull's way.
"I hope Norris starts winning again, taking points away from Piastri. We then have to take advantage of that. They alternate who is faster, and that helps us," he said.
Meanwhile, McLaren boss Zak Brown said he would prefer to see Verstappen win the title than compromise either of his drivers with strict team orders.
Marko sees the difference in team philosophy as a potential advantage for Red Bull.
"For us, it's all very clear. We have Max as the obvious number 1, everything is focused on him, and McLaren have two drivers who are basically equally fast.
"The more they alternate, the more points they share, the better for us."
