Helmut Marko: Lando Norris Was the One That Got Away for Red Bull

Helmut Marko, the recently departed head of Red Bull's driver program, admitted that the team held early-stage negotiations to sign Lando Norris. Marko believes the Briton, who just clinched the 2025 World Championship with McLaren, would have "fitted very well" into their system, highlighting a significant "what if" in recent F1 history.

Why it matters:

The admission shines a light on the fine margins of Formula 1, where a single recruitment decision can alter the competitive balance for years. With Norris having just dethroned Red Bull's Max Verstappen for the 2025 title, Marko's comments underscore a pivotal missed opportunity that could have prevented Red Bull from losing its championship dominance.

The details:

• Marko confirmed "very early stage" negotiations with Norris, who ultimately joined McLaren's young driver program in 2017.
• The "what if" scenario is amplified by the 2025 season, where Norris won the World Championship with McLaren by a narrow two-point margin over Verstappen.
• The Red Bull Philosophy: Marko elaborated that he rarely regrets cutting a driver. He believes many with talent fail because they lack the work ethic or mental fortitude to handle the immense pressure of F1, stating, "The pressure is double as much, and you have to deliver every lap."
• The 85-year-old Austrian stepped down from his role as senior advisor and driver program boss following the conclusion of the 2025 season.

Looking Ahead:

Marko's comments close a chapter on one of F1's most influential and controversial driver development programs. While Red Bull looks to the future without him, the story of Norris serves as a lasting reminder of the team's near-miss and a testament to McLaren's success in nurturing a champion they secured from their rivals' grasp.