Helmut Marko has indicated that the attraction of George Russell by Red Bull Racing is not seen as a possibility. The Williams driver is deeply rooted in Mercedes’ junior program, making it impossible to break free, according to the Red Bull Racing advisor. He also indicates that the victory of Sergio Perez for next year’s driver choice has not changed anything.
“Russell is not an option for us,” says the Austrian F1-Insider. “It is true that he did an excellent job last Sunday, but many drivers would have done the same in the Mercedes W11,” Marko downplays the strong Grand Prix of Sakhir that the 22-year-old drove.
Marko knows that Russell has been active for Mercedes for years, the Brit was picked up in the junior classes and since then he has also been driving at Williams very emphatically through the influence of the German racing stable. Marko does not consider a transfer to his team possible: ‘Firstly, he is a Mercedes driver and secondly, he is managed by Toto Wolff. That is why Russell’s arrival is out of the question for us. ‘
‘We have young drivers that we help with development and who are also full of talent’, argues Marko. An example of this is Yuki Tsunoda, who finished third in the Formula 2 championship this year and drove the stars from the sky more than once. Marko: “Yuki is not only extremely fast and talented, he is also funny and easy going.”
The second Red Bull seat
Marko saw Racing Point driver Perez win his first Grand Prix last Sunday. The Mexican would have been considered as a potential replacement for some time if Alexander Albon continues to underperform. “Perez’s victory in Bahrain does not affect our choice,” Marko emphasizes.
“We already knew the candidates’ strengths and weaknesses in advance. After the last Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, we sit down and make the choice that we consider right,” concludes the man from Graz. In addition to Albon, Nico Hülkenberg would also be considered as a candidate for the seat next to Max Verstappen.
Unlike the Racing Point man, Albon also failed to impress during the Sakhir Grand Prix. The Thai pointed to the RB16 when asked why he couldn’t get past P6 in the chaotic race. After all, when the two Mercedes have disappeared from the top three, it can be expected that the Red Bull driver will at least be able to secure a podium place.
