Red Bull's talent factory: how Helmut Marko shaped Formula One's future
Max Verstappen's record-shattering rise has not only revolutionized Formula One but also redefined the boundaries of talent scouting within the sport. Helmut Marko, the architect behind Red Bull's driver development program, reflects on how Verstappen's impact trickles down through the racing hierarchy.
Helmut Marko, widely regarded as the godfather of the Red Bull driver program, has been relentless in his search for the next superstar driver. The Austrian was instrumental in ensuring that Verstappen made his Formula One debut in 2015 with Toro Rosso (than AlphaTauri, now RB), eschewing potential suitors like Mercedes.
Verstappen's meteoric ascent and unorthodox path are evident in Marko's scouting endeavors. "People always say, 'Oh, the Verstappen example,' but it's changed a lot," Marko shared. "Now everyone believes 'My son is the new Verstappen; I just have to follow the concept and it will go there.'"
He continued, "Before Verstappen, when it was raining at the go-kart track, everyone went to the cafeteria. When Max first became a champion [in karting], everyone noticed when it rained there was only one driver outside: it was Verstappen. Now it's the opposite. No one is in the cafeteria when it's raining."
Verstappen bypassed traditional feeder categories GP3 and GP2, now known as Formula 3 and Formula 2, heading straight to Formula One at just 17. He made history as F1's youngest driver and later its youngest winner. As he approaches his 28th birthday, he's on track to clinch his fourth consecutive world championship.
While many aspire to follow Verstappen's trajectory, Marko emphasizes the need for realism. "People believe they can do what Max did if they copy it, but we are not looking for a new Verstappen," he said. "We are looking for a new world champion. We didn't look when [Sebastian] Vettel left us for a new Vettel. We saw Max, and immediately I thought, 'That's a guy we want to work with.'"
From a pool of at least 1,000 young karters annually, Marko notes the harsh reality: "If you are lucky, on average, one goes to Formula One. The chances to make it are relatively slim."
Despite the daunting odds, Red Bull has been unparalleled in nurturing talent. Rising stars like Daniel Ricciardo, Carlos Sainz, and Pierre Gasly all transitioned from the Red Bull junior team to become race winners, guided by Marko's strategy.
While technology plays an increasingly significant role in scouting, Marko values the old-school approach. "The main difference is that nowadays you are acting more on data," he explained. "For me, I am outside on the circuit watching these drivers. It is a difference when they are coming the first or second lap, how they can react. Their car control is something which I believe you can see immediately."
Formula One's grid is skewing younger, with the average age being 27.2. Red Bull's new academy additions, 15-year-old Irishman Fionn Mclaughlin and 14-year-old Swede Scott Lindblom, epitomize this trend. However, Marko cautions against hasty promotions.
"Some are fantastic in go-kart but don't succeed in Formula cars. There's a natural selection through the formulas; some can cope with the different speeds and G-forces, some can't," he said.
Red Bull's once-innovative program faces competition. Mercedes is poised to promote Andrea Kimi Antonelli, while Ferrari has seen success with Charles Leclerc and is grooming Oliver Bearman. Alpine's misstep with Oscar Piastri allowed McLaren to swoop in, showcasing a rapidly evolving landscape.
Yet, Marko remains confident in Red Bull's approach. "Nearly every team now has a junior programme. Some make ridiculous financial offers. We have proved we bring young drivers into Formula One. We've made two world champions out of our programme. We are brave enough to put young drivers in."
Despite emerging challenges, Red Bull remains steadfast. "We will stick to our system. Our financial terms, the contracts. Our system is working," Marko affirmed.
As the talent pipeline continues to evolve, Red Bull's commitment to nurturing the next generation of champions endures, firmly positioning them at the forefront of Formula One's future.
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