Red Bull motorsport adviser Helmut Marko has revealed the pivotal reason behind the team's decision to sign Sergio Perez over Nico Hulkenberg for the 2021 season.
Why it matters
This sheds light on Red Bull's rigorous driver selection process and how a single breakthrough performance can dramatically alter a driver's career trajectory.
The details
- Hulkenberg's strong contention: Marko confirmed that Nico Hulkenberg was a serious candidate for the Red Bull seat. "At that time he [Hulkenberg] was, I think, a co-commentator at Servus TV, so there was already a relationship there, and there were the beginnings of talks," Marko told F1-Insider.
- Perez's decisive victory: The turning point came when Sergio Perez secured his maiden F1 victory at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix. "Perez won that race in Bahrain, I think, and because of that everything turned in Perez’s direction," Marko explained.
- Marko's view on Hulkenberg: Despite choosing Perez, Marko believes Hulkenberg would have performed exceptionally well in the Red Bull car. "I think it would have been a really nice time, because the two [Hulkenberg and Max Verstappen] get along very well, and yes, Hulkenberg is a safe bank for points, and in our car it would also have been top positions."
The big picture
Marko, who has overseen Red Bull's driver development program since 2005, also reflected on his broader philosophy regarding driver decisions. He emphasized that the program enables drivers who don't reach F1 to find success in other top motorsport categories like Formula E, WEC, or DTM, earning well and continuing their passion. He stressed that F1 demands not only talent but also unique mental and physical strength.