Red Bull tip Ferrari to challenge Mercedes in Canada

Canadian GP

Red Bull tip Ferrari to challenge Mercedes in Canada

The SF90 should be suited to Montreal.

Matthew Scott

Wednesday 5 June 2019 19:48 Updated: 21:46

Red Bull motorsport advisor Dr Helmut Marko has tipped Ferrari to finally make a breakthrough at the Canadian Grand Prix. The Scuderia have failed to live up to pre-season expectations so far in 2019, as Mercedes have won every race.

Ferrari's impressive pre-season pace came from the mighty engine in the SF90, but the car's aerodynamic issues have been shown up in the races, as the Silver Arrows have produced a car rapid in the turns.

However, Canada presents one of the F1 calendar's most power-hungry tracks in the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

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And Marko expects an upswing from the red cars, perhaps putting paid to hopes of Max Verstappen getting on the podium in Montreal, as he did 12 months ago.

"In Montreal at the weekend Ferrari would have to stand a chance because of their strong engine," Marko told Auto Bild.

"Of course we will try everything, but our time will come at the latest from the race in Singapore.

"That's when Honda will introduce a new engine step and we can provide a good package with our chassis."

Verstappen remains hopeful of repeating last year's podium feats, despite potentially having four cars stronger than his own on the grid.

He told Servus TV: "We always want to try. Last year wasn't that bad, but I expect Ferrari to be very strong because of the long straights.

"They have a high top speed. I am very motivated to make it to the podium. Of course I want to win, but given the fact that Mercedes is so strong, that won't be easy."