In an interview with Speedweek, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko spoke about the upcoming season and the youth program…
Q: Helmut, how do you evaluate the testing in Bahrain last week?
Helmut Marko: There were no problems. On the first day we already covered a long distance, which allowed us to fine-tune the car quite early, while some rivals, such as Mercedes, still had a lot to do. We didn’t know how much fuel they had in their tanks, what engine conditions they were running, but our car was fast and stable on short and long stretches of laps.
Q: How does the new car differ from the highly successful RB18?
Helmut Marko: The new bottom – before it was our weak point. And lots of little things.
Question: How do you judge the strength of opponents?
Helmut Marko: Even before the start of the weekend it was clear that Ferrari is closest to us in terms of lap time. If they can control tire wear, they will become our main rival.
The joining of forces behind it is difficult to assess. Mercedes and Aston Martin should be on the same level, Alpine will also get stronger. If Mercedes takes another step, they will be among the front runners. But for the second season in a row, they start with a bad car.
Q: In Formula 2, Red Bull is supporting six drivers, more than ever before, and Liam Lawson, third in Formula 2 last year, is racing in Japan’s SuperFormula series. They all want to get into Formula 1. How is that possible?
Helmut Marko: Those who achieve the best results move on. We do not fully fund the six riders and their teams. But we appreciate their skill.
Question: What if AlphaTauri stops accepting youth program participants? There were rumors about the sale of the team…
Helmut Marko: AlphaTauri will continue to exist. We support this team, but we need progress, both sportingly and financially.
Q: What result of AlphaTauri are you satisfied with after a poor ninth place last year?
Helmut Marko: We have set a clear goal – sixth place at the end of the season.
Q: Yuki Tsunoda is starting his third, perhaps decisive, season for his future in Formula 1…
Helmut Marko: Yes, this is a decisive year for him. He has become much stronger psychologically and must achieve results.
Q: What is your impression of the team’s newcomer Nick de Vries, Formula 2 and Formula E champion?
Helmut Marko: Very good. In long runs he consistently drove laps with an accuracy of tenths. And he’s technically great.
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
