Helmut Marko SLAMS ‘outdated’ philosophy of rival teams over giving F1 promotion

Helmut Marko took a dig at the outdated philosophy of rival teams to not promote young drivers to Formula 1 amidst Liam Lawson's move.

Helmut Marko SLAMS ‘outdated’ philosophy of rival teams over giving F1 promotion

Liam Lawson and Helmut Marko (via Paddocknews24.com)

The young generation of drivers has continued to perform impressively in F1. Liam Lawson recently replaced the highly experienced Daniel Ricciardo, and will race for RB in the six remaining races of 2024. Hence, amidst the ongoing shifts in drivers’ performance according to their respective age, Helmut Marko looked at the team principals’ outdated thinking about older drivers performing better.

Oliver Bearman, Liam Lawson, and Franco Colapinto are some of the younger drivers who performed extremely well in their debut races. Multiple teams have already provided a seat to these young drivers for the upcoming season in Formula 1. Helmut Marko pointed towards these performances and noted that youngsters were ready to step up and start performing well.

The GP appearances of Oliver Bearman, and especially Franco Colapinto, have shown the youngsters are ready for the step up.

Helmut Marko told Speedweek
YouTube video

Subsequently, Marko believed that the ‘old philosophy’ of some team bosses to promote drivers with a couple of years of experience was outdated. This meant that the sport was ready to favor the younger generation of drivers over the old guard. Hence, with Lawson’s entry to RB, the team must take a decision further on his seat with the team in the coming season.

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The old philosophy of some team bosses that you can only promote drivers with three or four years of experience to a top team is outdated.

Helmut Marko added

Providing younger drivers with an opportunity is ‘far too expensive’

Helmut Marko was completely for the motion of including more and more younger drivers in the pinnacle of motorsport. The 81-year-old felt that these drivers needed a chance to prove themselves after moving up the junior category ladder. However, the Red Bull advisor accepted that this ordeal was far too expensive for the current times.

You have to give the youngsters a chance so that they can prove themselves in the GP car after they have climbed the junior ladder, but unfortunately, it’s far too expensive.

Helmut Marko noted
Liam Lawson and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
Liam Lawson and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Regardless of the cost factor of acquiring young drivers, multiple teams have already taken the leap. The older generation of drivers still have the motivation to continue in the sport and compete with the new era. Hence, the coming seasons would put forth highly exciting contingencies in terms of competition and excitement for the fans and drivers alike.