Helmut Marko has been working together with Red Bull for many years with the same working method, which is as simple as it is hard: if you don’t perform, you’re out. And even the drivers who have managed to reach the highest category of motorsports are not safe from their criticism.
Through an interview for Red Bull ‘s own magazine, known as Red Bulletin , Marko spoke about the greatest talents of the structure, both past and present.
While it is true that some of them have received nothing but positive words, as is the case with Max Verstappen, others have not escaped the famous criticism of the veteran adviser. At Motorsport.com, we’ve rounded up the highlights.
Helmut Marko’s opinion on Daniel Ricciardo: “He lacks consistency.”
Daniel Ricciardo overtook four-time world champion Vettel to win several races as Verstappen ‘s teammate, but according to Marko, he was unable to continuously prove his level.
“In his first year at Red Bull he beat Vettel with three wins, to Seb’s zero. But Max’s arrival was a turning point in his career, instead of wanting to fight, he always preferred to keep his distance. And everyone You know what triggered that. It’s a shame, because he was always fun to work with. His speed was comparable to Max’s, but he lacked that consistency.”
Helmut Marko’s opinion on Sebastian Vettel: “A very, very analytical worker”
Marko believes that four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel was able to beat his faithful teammate in the Austrian structure, Mark Webber, thanks to his hard work and analytical talent.
“He was able to make the most of all his technical qualities. That’s also why he beat a talented driver like Mark Webber . To a certain extent, Seb reminds me of Niki Lauda, with the big difference that Niki was much older than him when he arrived. to Formula 1″.
Helmut Marko’s opinion on Carlos Sainz: “Toxic relationship with Verstappen”
Carlos Sainz Jr. made a big impression on Marko in his early years. According to the Red Bull adviser, the Spanish driver was quicker than Vettel in the fast corners, but things went awry when he reached the top flight with Verstappen as his teammate at Toro Rosso.
“He was unlucky enough to have Max in the garage next door. The atmosphere between these two at Toro Rosso was quite toxic and I didn’t see any way to keep them both with us. So obviously he went to Renault, McLaren and then to Ferrari”.
Helmut Marko’s opinion on Alex Albon: “Too good”
Currently a Williams driver, Alex Albon continues to maintain a close link with Red Bull. The Thai has raced both in the ranks of the first team and at Toro Rosso. However, two incidents with Lewis Hamilton, one at Brazil 2019 and one at Austria 2020, were ultimately decisive for his future, according to Marko, as well as his mentality.
” Alex is incredibly fast, but I wonder if maybe he’s not too good. He’s a bit like David Coulthard, everyone likes him, he’s not tough enough.”
Helmut Marko’s opinion on Yuki Tsunoda: “An atypical Japanese”
Current AlphaTauri driver Yuki Tsunoda seems to have made a good impression on Marko in terms of his performance on track, but the problem is his temperament.
“He’s incredibly fast. Yuki is an atypical Japanese, normally they are polite and disciplined, but he is neither of these things. We believe in him and his enormous potential. When he is not under pressure, he is incredibly funny and kind, to everything. he likes the world, although no one can be as outgoing as he is.
Helmut Marko’s opinion on Pierre Gasly: “He was always looking for excuses”
In the middle of 2019, Pierre Gasly lost his seat at Red Bull and Toro Rosso/AlphaTauri was relegated again. And, despite what some expected, in Faenza he has since become the absolute leader of the team.
“His union with Red Bull didn’t work out because he was always looking for excuses instead of facing his own mistakes. Now he’s the team leader and he’s doing amazing things with the AlphaTauri . Like his compatriot François Cevert, he’s fast, cheeky and he likes them.” The good things in life”.
Helmut Marko’s opinion on Sergio Pérez: “Verstappen made him feel insecure”
Max Verstappen ‘s current teammate is Sergio Pérez. The Mexican had some problems in his first year with the team, but he has bounced back on a high note.
“He came here with a win under his belt and his arrival was positive, but he met Max and that made him feel insecure, especially in qualifying. But he recovered. Now he chooses his hotels, he has his own advisers within the team and although I don’t know exactly what they do or what they do, they’re good people.”
Helmut Marko’s opinion on Max Verstappen: “The fastest driver”
For reigning world champion Max Verstappen , Marko has only good words to say. According to him, the Dutchman is the fastest driver that Red Bull has had throughout its history in Formula 1.
“He is the most complete driver, he has a talent that is only seen once a decade. His speed and self-confidence is unique. He does not hide and dares to speak without fear in interviews. As for driving, there is no no one faster than him in one lap at the moment. His aptitude for competition was demonstrated from the beginning, his first victory in Barcelona was a great example of it”.
