Dr Helmut Marko dismisses Mercedes' title chances after tough Saudi weekend

Red Bull’s Dr Helmut Marko has said that he sees Ferrari v Red Bull being the main rivalry this season in Formula 1, and that Mercedes are not going to be able to catch up quick enough to be a threat for the championships.

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix provided the latest back-drop for another Max Verstappen v Charles Leclerc battle, and it was the Dutchman who this time came out on top to earn victory.

Certainly, it was an exciting race between the two drivers, whilst Mercedes could only earn 5th place with George Russell and 10th place with Lewis Hamilton.

And, that in mind, Marko believes that Mercedes are just not going to be a factor in the championship fight this season, whilst also suggesting that it shouldn’t be as brutal a battle as it was last year.

“It’s a new rivalry now.

“Mercedes is at least half a second too slow at the moment, but who knows, they may be able to solve their problem. But while they improve, we won’t sleep.

“I think it’s a better fight with Leclerc and Ferrari than it was with Mercedes. It is now on a more sporting level.

“I know we’ve only had two races, but I don’t think it will escalate like with Mercedes.

“As things stand at present, it will be a duel between Max and Leclerc.

“Even if Mercedes catches up, I don’t think they can match this pace over a race distance.”

Certainly, Leclerc v Verstappen looks a fascinating battle, whilst both Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez will feel as though they can be in the mix this season, too, after both showing positive signs already this year.

Mercedes, meanwhile, will simply want to prove that they are not done and dusted yet, and they’ll be working hard to try and get more points on the board.