Hekmut Marko and Max Verstappen

Marko candid about choosing teammate for Verstappen: 'Could have been great'

08:28, 07 Aug

byCas van de Kleut

Sergio Perez played a significant role in securing the 2021 championship for Max Verstappen. However, another driver was also on the shortlist for Red Bull Racing. In conversation with F1-Insider, Helmut Marko discloses whether he regrets his decision to opt for Perez.

In 2020, Nico Hulkenberg impressed with his three substitute appearances at Racing Point. During the 70th anniversary Grand Prix at the Silverstone circuit, he put his car in third place during qualifying while replacing Perez. This resulted in him being considered by Red Bull Racing as a driver for 2021.

But it never came to that point. In the end, Perez was chosen over Hulkenberg. The Mexican then drove for Red Bull Racing between 2021 and 2024, after which he was replaced for the current season.

How close was Hulkenberg to the Red Bull seat?

Marko was questioned about how close Hulkenberg was to the Red Bull seat for 2021. On this matter, the Austrian said, "He was a co-commentator for ServusTV at the time. So, there was already a relationship and initial conversations had been held, but when Perez won the race in Bahrain, attention shifted towards him."

Marko stated in July that he has doesn't regret his decision. In Hungary, he expressed, “Let's put it this way: it would have been great, as the two [Hulkenberg and Verstappen] get along very well. And Hulkenberg would definitely have scored points. Even in our car, he could have aimed for top finishes.”

Marko has no regrets about past decisions

Marko continued saying that he regrets none of the decisions he has ever made for the team: “More than 95 percent of the drivers who weren't with us are still competing at a high level in motorsports. Formula 1 simply requires specific qualities. A number, like Gasly or Sainz, have been successful. But Verstappen has shattered many mentally.”