No sympathy for De Vries and Lawson: Helmut Marko stands behind his decisions

16:03, 19 Aug

byLudo van Denderen

Red Bull Racing boasts a long-held reputation for ruthlessness when it comes to appointing or replacing drivers. Liam Lawson knows this all too well, having been demoted to Racing Bulls earlier this season after just two Grand Prix. For Helmut Marko, however— the man typically behind such tough calls—there is nothing wrong with Red Bull’s uncompromising approach.

Lawson is not the only one to experience it. Nyck de Vries, for example, was brought into Alpha Tauri with the expectation of providing experience, but soon struggled in the car of Red Bull Racing's Italian sister team. With little time to settle, limited car updates, and mounting pressure, he was quickly replaced.

Reflecting on these controversial decisions, Marko has made over the course of more than two decades for Red Bull and the second team, which sometimes drew criticism, the 82-year-old stated:

“Actually, I stand by the decisions, and one has to bear in mind that over 95 per cent of the drivers who did not remain in our cadre then go on to race in Formula E, race in WEC, race in DTM or elsewhere,” believes Marko in a podcast by F1-Insider.

Nyck de Vries was pushed aside by Marko

Marko unapologetic

Moreover, adds the Red Bull consultant, these are not inexperienced amateurs, but seasoned professionals who understand the realities of motorsports.

“They earn good money – far more than they probably could in a civilian profession – and then they do what they love," namely, compete in motorsport. “And that was mainly made possible through our involvement."

“And Formula 1 is the pinnacle, and it requires not only talent but also special characteristics and a certain strength, both mentally and in overall constitution.”