Helmut Marko gives up on 'new Max Verstappen' amid sweeping Red Bull changes

15 November 2023 , 12:46

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Helmut Marko oversees Red Bull's junior driver programme (Image: Getty Images)

Red Bull academy chief Helmut Marko said he has halted his search for the "new Max Verstappen".

The Dutchman was signed by Red Bull as a young teenager and fast-tracked into Formula 1. He made his debut with sister team Toro Rosso in 2015 and was promoted a year later, going on to dominate the grid having won the last three drivers' titles.

Verstappen is up there with Sebastian Vettel as the most successful graduate of the Red Bull young driver programme. Marko, the team adviser who spearheads that initiative, has been trying to find the next big star ever since.

Oliver Goethe is the latest recruit to the Red Bull academy. The 19-year-old finished eighth in his debut Formula 3 season this year and will race under the Red Bull umbrella for the first time at the 70th Macau Grand Prix this weekend.

While Marko will, of course, hope to see Goethe blossom into a racing star, he admits he is no longer actively searching for world champions. "He was quick in the tests and next year he has to prove himself in Formula 3," Marko told OE24 of the German starlet.

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Asked about comparisons to Vettel or Verstappen, the Austrian added: "He has a certain boldness. But I've already given up looking for a new Verstappen – he doesn't exist. I'll be happy if we find a future GP winner."

Goethe's arrival comes as a series of departures are expected among the current Red Bull contingent. Dennis Hauger has already announced his split from the programme and other Formula 2 drivers are expected to follow him out the exit door.

"For the 2024 season, I'll be parting ways with the Red Bull Junior Team," Hauger wrote on social media. "I'm grateful for their support over the years and ready to explore new opportunities ahead. Next year I will be back in Formula 2 with one clear goal in mind – the championship."

Having supported six F2 drivers this year, the team is planning a refresh of its youth options going forward. N o other names have been officially announced yet, but Enzo Fittipaldi and Zane Maloney are also expected to depart the Red Bull stable.

Both drive for Rodin Carlin in F2 and David Dicker, CEO of Rodin Cars, told Mirror Sport about the impending change. "The support for most of the guys in these junior teams is next to zero, from the information that I have," he said. "They're not going to be supported by Red Bull next year, as far as I know. Let's face it, [Red Bull] already have more good drivers than seats, so what's the point of trying?"

Daniel Moxon