“We’ve never had a number one or two”- Helmut Marko says Max Verstappen will be all alone in 2021 amidst lack of favours.
Max Verstappen in the eyes of fans is always seen as the top priority for Red Bull, taking no credits away from the Dutchman’s capabilities, as he is probably the 2nd best driver on the grid presently.
But with Sergio Perez coming in, he will likely receive a competition. Nevertheless, in the last one month, Red Bull has gone through a massive overhaul, and Helmut Marko explained what went behind the scene.
“There was no one in our squad who was available, except for Tsunoda. And we need him for Alpha Tauri”, says Marko in conversation with Auto, Motor und Sport.
“I cancelled Hülkenberg on the phone. Albon found out in the factory”, says the 77-year-old advisor. This followed an explanation to why Perez was eventually was selected.
“Perez’s form curve in the second half of the year has been steeply upwards. In his win in Bahrain, we saw how fast he is and how well he saves the tyres at the same time.”
“He always puts himself in a good position, has a good feel for the car and the race. And Pérez has been able to prove himself all season. That wasn’t the case with Hülkenberg.”
Max Verstappen is on his own
Rejecting the popular belief that Red Bull’s management favours Verstappen, and the secondary driver against him always suffer, by interjecting Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon, Marko says there was never a no. 1 and 2 in Red Bull.
“We’ve never had a number one or two before,” said the 77-year-old. However, this thought will not be easy to digest to the critiques of F1, and only 2021 will show whether this claim will be implemented.
