
F1 Beyond The Grid Helmut Marko: choosing champions at Red Bull
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Nov 19, 2025 Helmut Marko, the longtime motorsport advisor for Red Bull, shares his riveting journey from racing driver to talent scout. He illuminates his selection philosophy and the pressure young drivers face. Marko praises Max Verstappen's incredible evolution and leadership, while providing insights into the contrasting characters of Verstappen and Vettel. He reflects on his partnership with Dietrich Mateschitz and the genesis of the Red Bull junior program, discussing future champions like Isack Hadjar and Red Bull's ambitious 2026 engine project.
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Relentless Improvement And Tyre Mastery
- Max Verstappen is one of the greatest due to relentless improvement and focus.
- He delivers consistent lap times and learned precise tyre management to eliminate mistakes.
From Teenage Talent To Team Leader
- Verstappen matured from a raw talent into a calm, technically strong team leader.
- His feedback and relaxed confidence improved his qualifying and race performance.
Stopwatch Over Simulator Numbers
- Laurent Mekies and Verstappen jointly transformed Red Bull's technical approach.
- They shifted focus from simulator numbers to stopwatch results and broader driver usability.

