F1 News: Helmut Marko Calls Out Audi For Driver Market Explosion- 'Strange For A Newcomer'

Saajan Jogia | Apr 9, 2024

Oct 23, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; Helmut Marko of Red Bull Racing Team holds up the World / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko notes an unusual level of activity in Formula 1's driver market for April. Typically, negotiations occur closer to year-end, but Marko attributes the early buzz to Audi's forthcoming entry into the sport in 2026 when it entirely takes over the Sauber F1 team.

Key Takeaways:

• Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko observes an unprecedented level of activity in Formula 1's driver market for April, attributing it to Audi's anticipated entry into the sport in 2026.
• 13 driver contracts are set to expire at the end of the 2024 F1 season, offering teams a plethora of options, including junior drivers like Liam Lawson or Oliver Bearman.
• Rumors swirl about potential moves, with speculation of Ferrari's Carlos Sainz joining Red Bull and Fernando Alonso possibly switching to Mercedes, creating uncertainty in the driver market and prompting teams to reassess their strategies. Marko emphasizes a cautious approach, preferring to wait and assess the situation before making decisions.

Around 13 driver contracts are due for expiration at the end of the 2024 F1 season, including Red Bull driver Sergio Perez and VCARB drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda. Thus, Formula 1 Teams have plenty of options to choose from, including potential junior drivers such as Liam Lawson or Oliver Bearman.

With Audi's imminent entry into Formula 1 within the next two years, Red Bull faces a pivotal decision in selecting Max Verstappen's teammate. Verstappen has enjoyed dominance in recent seasons without a direct threat from his current teammate, but the prospect of Audi's arrival has prompted drivers to seek shorter contracts, anticipating significant changes in the competitive landscape.

Oct 23, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; Helmut Marko of Red Bull Racing Team holds up the World / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Furthermore, the driver market is full of anticipation about Ferrari's Carlos Sainz potentially joining Red Bull, fueled by whispers of a handshake meeting with Marko. Speculation surrounding Fernando Alonso's potential switch to Mercedes adds to the intrigue, creating a "strange" atmosphere for teams planning to delay negotiations until later in the season, after assessing driver performances over the next 20 Grands Prix.

Marko revealed Red Bull's wait-and-watch strategy as he gave his perspective on the current driver market scenario, terming it "ridiculous" and stating Audi's role in creating the pressure. Speaking to Motorsport.com in Japan, he said:

“The driver market has exploded in April and, normally, no one talks [about it] in April.

“It is ridiculous, but we won’t jump into this game ourselves. We will wait and see, and only then make the best choice later on.

“I don’t know what is going on. I have heard that Audi is making pressure, but it is a little bit strange for a newcomer to make pressure on the driver market.”

While the 80-year-old advisor stated that Sainz would be a top choice to consider for the Red Bull seat, he clarified that it would be too early at this stage to confirm anything. He added:

“Sainz came into Formula 1 through Red Bull and also had a very good year back then at Toro Rosso. Sainz is certainly a name to consider.

“Normally we don’t talk about driver decisions at all in April, but somehow the whole thing seems to have moved forward a lot.

“But it’s still too early for us, we will certainly wait some time before we make a decision.”