Red Bull missed out on talents due to competition: 'Russell is an example'

The Red Bull Junior Team

In the exclusive story with Marko that previously appeared on GPblog, the Austrian gave an inside look at the Red Bull Junior Team. What exactly is the goal? What do you look for when scouting talent? And what does the coaching look like? In the latter area, Guillaume Rocquelin plays a significant role as Head of Driver Academy.

Red Bull were the first to start such a programme in the early 2000s, and now almost every F1 team has a similar programme. Mercedes, Ferrari, Alpine, Sauber, Williams and recently, McLaren, all have their own training programme for young talents. Everyone wants to sign the next Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso or Max Verstappen as early as possible, making things much harder for Red Bull.

"In the beginning, it was easy because we had been the only ones. Now nearly everybody has a junior or academy or whatever it is called. And like they are pulling away our employees from F1 with ridiculous money. It's bad for the talent. So it's more difficult, but we have a reputation. We brought many drivers to Formula 1," Marko said in a conversation with GPblog.

Red Bull missed out on Russell and Piastri

In recent years, Red Bull helped many talents break through into F1, including Daniel Ricciardo, Daniil Kvyat, Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda. However, they also missed out on some great talents due to increased competition. Marko points out two surprising names when asked who the big missed juniors are at other teams.

"Russell is an example. He's in Mercedes. He finds a good one. Piastri. We can't take everyone. That's also not our aim. You have to fit in terms of personality and character as well," he added. 

Marko explained that the young Red Bull talents are not prepared for a perfect media appearance. Red Bull like it when they have a raw edge. "They have to have their own language. And as I say, as long as they can use a fork and knife in a proper way, it's fine."

After talking to Marko, GPblog also got further insight into Red Bull's training programme through an interview with Rocquelin. Sebastian Vettel's former race engineer is now Head of Driver Academy and has set up a veritable school for the young talents in Milton Keynes.