Red Bull Junior Pepe Marti Considers Formula E Switch

Red Bull junior driver Pepe Marti is reportedly in advanced discussions to make a move to Formula E, with a team expressing significant interest. This potential career shift suggests a new direction for the young Spaniard, who has been part of the Red Bull driver development program.

Why it matters:

• For Marti, a move to Formula E represents a practical career path in professional motorsport, especially given his unlikelihood of reaching Formula 1.
• For Red Bull, it highlights their broader talent development philosophy, where success isn't solely defined by reaching F1 but also by securing professional racing careers for their juniors in other top-tier series.

The details:

• Formula E Interest: Kiro Race, a British Formula E team, has reportedly set its sights on Marti for the final vacant seat for the 2025–2026 season. An announcement from the team is expected next week.
• Red Bull Junior Team Status: Marti is expected to remain a part of the Red Bull Junior Team for the time being. Red Bull will confirm its 2026 junior lineup early next year.
• Potential Departure from Red Bull: If Marti joins Formula E, he will likely depart the Red Bull Junior Team in 2026, aligning with the program's focus on F1 development.
• Red Bull's Philosophy: Red Bull emphasizes that there are multiple routes to success in motorsport. The program has previously seen juniors move to series like DTM, NASCAR, and Formula E, viewing such transitions as successful promotions of young talent.

The big picture:

Marti's journey underscores the intense competition within the F1 feeder series. Despite being a Red Bull junior, he hasn't been considered a viable option for either Red Bull Racing or Racing Bulls. This situation makes a switch to Formula E a logical and promising step for his professional racing aspirations, allowing him to pursue a high-level career outside of F1.

What's next:

The motorsport world awaits Kiro Race's announcement next week, which is expected to confirm Marti's future in Formula E. This move could pave the way for a successful career in electric racing, demonstrating that a future outside of F1 can still be a significant achievement for a talented young driver.