Marko predicts Mercedes and Ferrari will have ‘trouble’ at 2022 Austrian GP

Max Verstappen heads into round 11 leading the Drivers' Standings from team-mate Sergio Perez.

Red Bull adviser Dr Helmut Marko wants his team to focus amid the excitement of their home race in Spielberg this weekend.

The Red Bull company was founded by Dietrich Mateschitz in 1984, and their headquarters are in Fuschl, around 119 miles north-west of the Red Bull Ring, where the circus goes racing this weekend.

Lots of Dutch supporters make their way over from the Netherlands every year to celebrate Max Verstappen who, before the return of the Dutch Grand Prix last year, treated Austria and Belgium as his home races.

It is a race that means a lot to Red Bull and to the reigning champion, but it has to be business as usual for the Austrian side as they go in search of their eighth win of the season.

READ: ‘Completely ruptured’: Verstappen reveals extent of damage as he insists his engineer would never put him in danger

“Max (Verstappen) is of course supported by a lot of Dutch fans, that makes it even more special,” Dr Marko said.

“But we have to ensure that we curb the enthusiasm a little for him so that he gets enough rest before our race.”

Mercedes appeared to have their “porpoising” and bouncing a little more under control last weekend in Silverstone owing to upgrades and a smoother track surface, but the undulation and the slightly rougher track and kerbs in Spielberg may pose one or two more issues for several teams.

“I think other teams will have more trouble with bouncing on this track, so they’ll just have to raise the cars a little higher,” predicted Dr Marko.

Article continues below

“We don’t have any problems with it ourselves.”

Being that the Red Bull Ring is predominantly a power track, the Milton Keynes side have even more reason for optimism this weekend.

“We must not forget that the engine is a big part of our performance,” added the Graz-born former racer.

“Honda builds an engine that works well at higher altitudes. After all, our first victory with a Honda engine was in Austria.”

There is plenty to enjoy about the circuit, with lush surroundings and plenty to do, although Dr Marko quipped that the delicacies on offer might not be for everyone.

READ: Red Bull reveal why Verstappen had ‘enormous’ aero deficit at Silverstone

“We have a very unique track in the middle of the valley, the circuit is also high on the list for most drivers,” said the 79-year-old.

“Obviously it lacks the flair of a track like Singapore, but the drivers love the challenge, the hospitality, and of course the schnitzel. 

“Except [Sir Lewis] Hamilton, since he’s vegan!”

Verstappen leads the Drivers’ Championship by 34 points from team-mate Sergio Perez after the opening 10 rounds of the season after finishing seventh in Silverstone having taken damage while leading.

Perez climbed back up to second after he too suffered damage from contact with Charles Leclerc, who was denied a win by an awful strategic decision by Ferrari under a late Safety Car.

His team-mate Carlos Sainz claimed his maiden grand prix victory having taken pole for the first time in qualifying.