Red Bull Racing prepare for toughest test yet in Monaco Grand Prix

Despite the team's dominant start, winning five of the first seven races with Max Verstappen at the forefront, they now face significant competition from McLaren.

McLaren's recent form has been impressive, with a standout victory at the Miami Grand Prix. At the last race in Imola, Lando Norris narrowly missed defeating Verstappen, finishing just seven-tenths of a second behind.

This surge in performance has put Red Bull on high alert as they head to Monaco, aiming for their fourth consecutive win at the iconic street circuit.

"We definitely need to rise up to the challenge of McLaren," Marko told De Telegraaf. "Now we go to Monaco, and there, it's pretty much all about qualifying.

"I think that will be the most difficult race so far for us, also because of the bumps and kerbs there. I also expect a lot from Ferrari and especially Charles Leclerc."

Monaco's narrow streets and tight corners make overtaking nearly impossible, placing immense importance on a strong qualifying performance. The circuit's unique demands mean teams must finely tune their cars to navigate the bumps and kerbs that characterize the track.

Marko emphasized the crucial role of Red Bull's technical team in preparing for this race. "Our technical team has to work hard," he said. "Qualifying is incredibly important because you can slow down two to three seconds and still win if you drive in front. We especially need to start looking at the kerbs."

The Monaco Grand Prix, scheduled for May 24-26, is a highlight of the Formula 1 calendar, known for its glamour and history. This year's race is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the season, with multiple teams poised to challenge Red Bull's supremacy.

Red Bull's preparations are in full swing as they focus on optimizing their car for the unique challenges of Monaco. The team are well aware that any mistake in qualifying could be costly, given the circuit's notorious difficulty for overtaking.

As the reigning world champions, Red Bull are used to pressure, but the competition from McLaren and Ferrari adds an extra layer of complexity to their strategy. With the championship battle heating up, the Monaco Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the skill and precision required to conquer one of the most demanding tracks in Formula 1.