In an interview with Le Journal, Helmut Marko spoke about the composition of Formula 1 teams…
Q: Since the 1990s we have seen three riders from Canada: Jacques Villeneuve, Lance Stroll and Nicholas Latifi, while there are dozens in European countries. Why is it so difficult to take a driver to the highest level of motorsport?
Helmut Marko: In Germany before Michael Schumacher, there were no good drivers for twenty years. When you bring a driver to Formula 1, it is not enough to just put him in the cockpit. He has to win. Canadian Nicholas Latifi participated, but achieved nothing. He was not a winner.
When you look at a 14-year-old karting prospect, he has to show his speed and talent. Can’t make a racer. He must possess all these qualities: speed, talent, self-confidence and complete dedication. It is very difficult to collect them in one person.
With the exception of Villeneuve, I know of only one Canadian rider who has achieved success. You have to have patience. Sometimes someone stands out, like Villeneuve. There are ups and downs. The situation is changing.
Q: What do you think of Lance Stroll?
Helmut Marko: I remember his very good race, which led to the podium with Williams in Baku’17. I remember how he took pole from Red Bull in Turkey ’20. There have been ups and downs since then. Some very good races and some very ordinary.
I wonder if he really wants to be a racer and if he works very hard to get good results.
Q: In your opinion, is Lance Stroll not doing enough?
Helmut Marko: It’s hard to say, I don’t know him that well, I’m not around him to judge his work. But I’ll keep an eye on him.
Q: On Saturday, Jacques Villeneuve said some harsh words to one of your protégés, Daniel Ricciardo. Do you think the 1997 world champion is right?
Helmut Marko: I didn’t hear his comment. But Ricciardo should have been ahead of Yuki Tsunoda at RB and that doesn’t happen. On the contrary, everything is exactly the opposite.
Yuki has changed a lot since he came to F1, he has improved a lot. Tsunoda is an emotional racer, but he knows how to limit his mistakes. He was in demand by other teams. He is young and fits our model. That is why we have extended the contract with him for another year.
Question: Which team do you think has the best driver pair?
Helmut Marko: This is Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at McLaren. They are young and hungry, get along well and work well together.
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.
