Marko warns Gasly over testing crashes

Red Bull motorsport advisor Dr Helmut Marko has warned Pierre Gasly to drive more cautiously after the Frenchman crashed twice during pre-season testing, effectively ruling out the chances of Max Verstappen running meaningfully on the final day in Barcelona as a result.

Gasly went off the Circuit de Catalunya on his first and final runs with the RB15, the second time on testing's penultimate day causing significant damage to the car.

As a result, Red Bull effectively ran out of spare parts, denying Verstappen the chance to up the pace on the final day and leaving the Dutchman with an unrepresentatively low spot on the timesheets.

"In the second crash we ran out of spares, so Max Verstappen could hardly drive on the last day," Marko told APA news agency.

Nonetheless, he says Red Bull will treat Gasly and Verstappen fairly in 2019.

"Nothing will change in that way, but what we've seen in the tests is that Gasly is not yet on Verstappen's level. But we didn't expect that either," said Marko.

When asked about Gasly's testing form, Marko added: "Apart from the two crashes it was perfect.

"Especially the second crash hurt us. He should not allow himself to do that anymore."

Marko is targeting "a minimum of five wins" in the first Honda-powered year.

"I believe we also have a certain chance of the world championship," he added.

Finally, Marko was asked about the 'Brexit' story, and particularly Toto Wolff's claim that it could be a major issue for the UK-based teams this year.

"Nothing is eaten as hot as it is cooked," Marko said. "The country has to keep going.

"There may be one or two inconveniences, or something will be delayed, but that's not so important."

MORE: Verstappen: I was never 'Mad Max'
MORE: Wolff warns Mercedes over Ferrari chase