Helmut Marko says Ferrari need Mercedes drivers to ‘tear each other apart’ to win the title

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Helmut Marko has claimed that Ferrari will need the Mercedes drivers to ‘tear each other apart’ if they are to win the Formula 1 title. 

So far in the 2026 season, Mercedes have been a class above the rest, with their drivers winning every single Grand Prix to date.

George Russell won in Melbourne before Kimi Antonelli secured four consecutive victories in Shanghai, Suzuka, Miami and Montreal.

As a result, Antonelli now leads Russell by 43 points at the top of the world championship standings.

Meanwhile, behind Mercedes, the likes of Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull are looking to close the gap to the Silver Arrows, with the Scuderia currently 72 points adrift.

Ferrari look set to challenge Mercedes in Monaco this weekend, but they have now been told the only ‘hope’ they have in catching the Silver Arrows in the long term.

The jewel in the crown is upon us! Who’s your pick for the Monaco Grand Prix? 👑

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Helmut Marko says Ferrari need Mercedes drivers to ‘tear each other apart’

Speaking to Austrian news outlet OE24, former Red Bull senior advisor Marko stated that Mercedes are ‘clearly’ the strongest team. 

The Austrian alluded to the fact that they have been able to build a ‘competitive chassis’ for the first time since 2021.

He also stated that in order for the others to catch Mercedes, Russell and Antonelli will need to ‘tear each other apart’.

Marko said: “Mercedes is clearly the strongest team; they have the best engine and are also setting the pace with the battery.

“For the first time since 2021, they’ve managed to build a competitive chassis again, and they also have a strong driver pairing.

“I find it very refreshing how young Antonelli is making the car fly. But Russell is the veteran; he’ll fight back. Their only hope is that they tear each other apart. Otherwise, Mercedes is gone.”

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Marko went on to back Charles Leclerc to win the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend, due to his qualifying speed and the fact that Mercedes could struggle with the slow corners.

The 83-year-old added: “They’ll (Mercedes) struggle there with the slow corners. I see Leclerc ahead – he’s at home there and my favourite in qualifying. And whoever is in front in Monaco wins the race.”

To add to Ferrari’s hopes, it has been reported that Hamilton is now ‘convinced’ he can fight for his first victory for the team at this weekend’s race in Monaco.