During his time at Red Bull in Formula 1, Helmut Marko worked with many talented drivers. Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel is of course at the top of the list. According to Marko, however, the German is not the best driver who has ever driven for Red Bull.
When asked by “ServusTV”, Marko explains whether Max Verstappen is the best driver he has ever worked with: “Yes, he is without a doubt.”
He raves that the new world champion has, among other things, an “incredible will” that makes him unique. “What sets him apart the most: He doesn’t need a warm-up[-Runde]”adds Marko.
“When it rains somewhere, the others drive five or eight laps. Then Max drives out and drives the fastest time on the first lap. Or Jeddah: Nobody knew the route. The others drove again too, Max drives out – bang! Three times [schnellster Sektor]. That’s one of its fascinating properties, “says Marko.
Formula 1 promotion of Max Verstappen “was a risk”
The Austrian also reveals that it also makes him a little proud that he brought Verstappen to Formula 1 in 2015 at the age of just 17 despite all the criticism.
“Back then it was definitely age […] some risk. But I knew that with AlphaTauri we were a great team [haben]”, remembers Marko.
Verstappen made his debut in the premier class for the then Toro Rosso team in Melbourne in 2015 at the age of 17 years, 5 months and 15 days, making him the youngest driver ever to compete in a Formula 1 race has gone. “Of course I’m happy that it worked out that way,” admits Marko.
Promotion from Toro Rosso to Red Bull “even more blatant”
“I knew he was going well prepared in this matter,” said the Austrian, who explained that it was “even more blatant” to promote Verstappen from Toro Rosso to Red Bull just over a year later. “There was also an outcry,” remembers Marko. But Verstappen gave the appropriate answer on the route.
The Dutchman won his first race for Red Bull 2016 in Barcelona. At 18 years, 7 months and 15 days, he is by far the youngest Formula 1 race winner of all time. He took the record from Vettel, of all people, who was already 21 years old when his first triumph in the premier class.
Verstappen’s career reached its peak last year when he became world champion for the first time. And according to Marko, the end of the flagpole has not yet been reached. Verstappen could still improve. “I’m excited to see what’s next …”, says Marko.
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