Sebastian Vettel must “raise his game” to challenge team-mate Daniel Ricciardo according to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko.
The Austrian made the comments after the Chinese Grand Prix, but only revealed exactly what he said during an interview ahead of his and Red Bull’s home race in Austria next weekend.
“I told him: ‘There are 50 engineers working on this engine and they can’t sort it out.
“‘You’re a top driver, it’s up to you [to make the difference]. You have to do it.’
“If he can’t sort out the car, the easiest thing is the driver. He has to raise his game.”
The 71-year-old also revealed that Vettel was taken aback by the speed of his new team-mate who currently sits 19 points ahead in the championship standings.
“[Vettel] was a little bit surprised, like we all were, with Ricciardo,” he said.
“Don’t forget we didn’t test. We had some outings – one lap or two laps if it was a good day – but no-one could see his potential.”
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