F1 Monza: Helmut Marko highlights Kimi Antonelli’s preparation and Isack Hadjar’s challenge. Helmut Marko revealed the huge testing advantage Andrea Kimi Antonelli had over Isack Hadjar .

Helmut Marko: “Antonelli completed 10,000 km of testing before Melbourne, Hadjar only 500”

According to the Austrian advisor, Red Bull will struggle to target the podium at Monza.

Too many chicanes for Red Bull at Monza

The “Little Prost” at Zandvoort stunned everyone by climbing onto the podium. Helmut Marko gave that nickname to Isack Hadjar due to his physical resemblance to Alain Prost, and now, beyond appearances, the two French drivers share the achievement of at least one Formula 1 podium.

Hadjar is set for promotion to the senior Red Bull team in 2026 and will need to handle the pressure of driving for a top outfit. It is the same kind of challenge Andrea Kimi Antonelli is already facing. The young Mercedes driver started the 2025 season strongly, but then experienced a dip in form, particularly on circuits that, on paper, should have suited him. One key difference, as Marko himself pointed out to oe24, is the preparation work done by Mercedes ahead of Antonelli’s debut: “Mercedes ran Antonelli day and night with the 2022 car. By the time the season began, he already had around 10,000 kilometers of testing behind him, while Hadjar arrived with barely 500,” Helmut Marko said.

Antonelli at home in Monza, Red Bull cautious

This weekend, Kimi Antonelli will race in front of his home crowd at Monza, but Helmut Marko is not expecting miracles from Red Bull at the Temple of Speed. “There are too many chicanes, and for us it will be difficult even to aim for the podium. We will still have some chances to fight at the front on fast tracks like Baku, Austin, and Mexico,” he explained.