Helmut Marko admits colossal error in Las Vegas: is Red Bull’s weekend in jeopardy?. Red Bull's performance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix took a hit due to a rear wing misstep.

Helmut Marko, the team’s advisor, has openly acknowledged the difficulties in Las Vegas, raising concerns that the weekend might already be compromised.

The unusual Thursday schedule of free practice sessions brought no confidence to the reigning champions. In particular, FP2 exposed Red Bull’s struggles, with both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez facing challenges on the chilly Nevada circuit. Verstappen and Perez ended the session in disappointing 17th and 19th positions, respectively, a stark contrast to their usual dominance.

Red Bull’s Wing Woes: A Compromised Weekend?
The trouble stems from a rear wing choice that, as Marko admitted, “slows” the cars down. Unlike their rivals, Red Bull opted for a wing with a more aggressive aerodynamic profile, increasing drag and reducing straight-line speed—an Achilles’ heel on the long straights of Las Vegas.

Under normal circumstances, with three practice sessions, Red Bull would have time to adjust. However, the situation is complicated by a significant constraint: *the team does not have a smaller rear wing available*. Marko conceded this limitation with regret, noting that a smaller wing, similar to those used by their competitors, would be a clear solution. But there’s no alternative wing in the team’s inventory for this weekend.

When asked whether a replacement wing might appear in time for Friday’s qualifying, Marko’s response was a definitive “no.”

Race Pace Concerns, Hope for Qualifying
Despite the setback, Red Bull is exploring ways to salvage the situation. Helmut Marko remains optimistic that the team can recover some ground. “We’ll certainly make a reasonable step forward. Tomorrow is another day, and some teams that are quick in practice don’t necessarily carry that pace into the race,” he remarked.

However, he didn’t shy away from acknowledging the broader issues: “We need better balance. We can improve in qualifying, but race pace and tire management are a problem for us.”

The Las Vegas GP may prove to be one of Red Bull’s most challenging weekends of the season. Without a smaller rear wing, the team faces an uphill battle to compete against rivals who seem better prepared for the demands of this unique circuit.