The Red Bull team thrives as an elite F1 team, winning consecutive world titles. While the credit goes to the drivers and the technical team, one man works behind the scenes. Helmut Marko, the Godfather of Red Bull scouting, has been a key factor in building a fantastic driver line-up. The Senior Advisor uses all his experience to find the next superstar for the Milton Keyen-based outfit.
He was the reason behind Max Verstappen’s Red Bull debut. Since then, the Dutchman has won three consecutive world titles and is on the brink of winning his fourth. Recently, Marko opened up about his role as an advisor and how he keeps the Red Bull talent factory running.
Helmut Marko’s Scouting Talent Keeps Red Bull On The F1 Pinnacle
Helmut Marko has observed the lasting impact of Max Verstappen’s legacy during his visits to karting tracks in search of future racing stars. Marko noted a significant shift in mindset among aspiring young drivers and their families. Previously, when it rained at karting events, most drivers would retreat to the cafeteria. However, Verstappen’s dedication was evident when he continued to race in adverse conditions, setting an example that now influences young drivers. Nowadays, when it rains, karting tracks are empty, as aspiring racers are out on the track, inspired by Verstappen’s commitment.
Further, Marko emphasized that while many believe they can replicate Verstappen’s success by mimicking his approach, the focus is not on finding another Verstappen. Instead, the goal is to discover a new world champion. Marko highlighted that they did not seek to replace Sebastian Vettel with another Vettel but saw Verstappen’s potential and immediately recognized him as a promising talent. Approximately 1,000 young drivers begin their karting careers yearly, but only a handful advance to Formula One. The competition is extremely tough, and the chances of reaching the top are slim. Marko stressed that the aim is to find a driver capable of winning a Grand Prix, as achieving a world championship requires a convergence of many factors.
Marko’s Take On The Drivers’ Academy Talent
Helmut Marko highlighted the evolution in scouting young racing talent, noting that data analysis now plays a crucial role in evaluating drivers. In the past, assessing a driver’s potential often relied on immediate observations from the track, where some observers could quickly discern talent while others might not. The Austrian emphasized that while data can provide insights into a driver’s performance over many laps, he personally values a driver’s immediate reactions on their first laps. Car control and reactions, particularly in fast corners, are critical indicators of a driver’s skill.
The 81-year-old executive also noted a trend toward younger drivers entering the sport, noting that some karting champions do not always transition successfully to higher formulas. Success in karting does not guarantee success in Formula 4 or Formula 3, as the ability to adapt to different speeds and G-forces varies among drivers. Marko acknowledged that while some drivers may take several years to become competitive, this extended timeline may not align with their goal of finding a viable Formula One driver swiftly.
Looking ahead, Marko and his team are focused on future prospects and potential shifts in the driver market. They consider where current drivers, such as Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson, might end up and keep an eye on emerging talents like Hadjar. The goal is to anticipate future needs and prepare to offer opportunities in Formula One for promising drivers as they continue to develop.