“Perform better, very simple,” Helmut Marko gives candid warning to AlphaTauri
Red Bull advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko wants the Faenza-based team to develop more in-line with the Red Bull Racing design philosophy.
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Helmut Marko, Nyck de Vries
Red Bull Racing is dominating F1 this season. The Austrian team is miles ahead of the competition this year after claiming two 1-2 finishes so far. However, the Red Bull sister team, Alpha Tauri has not lived up to expectations. Rumors even did rounds of the energy drink giant potentially restructuring or selling the team earlier this season. Dr. Helmut Marko publicly stated the need for the Faenza-based team to improve.
The Red Bull advisor was asked about what Alpha Tauri needs to do after a disappointing start to the 2023 F1 season. The 79-year-old gave a straightforward reply regarding the Italian team. Helmut Marko answered, “Perform better, very simple.” The Austrian was vocal about the Red Bull sister team not living up to the mark in 2022. He continued, “It’s no secret that we are not satisfied after last season.”
Helmut Marko discussed the failure of Alpha Tauri’s aero department in capitalizing on the new F1 regulations introduced in 2022. He explained, “What we have seen so far from the aerodynamic side of AlphaTauri is not delivering what we hoped for either.” Moreover, the 79-year-old demanded Alpha Tauri to match its senior team that is dominating the sport. Helmut said, “You have to look at how to change that. If we have the best car in the field, AlphaTauri has to stick to that benchmark.”
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Helmut Marko hints at the design convergence between the two Red Bull teams
Formula 1 allows teams to purchase components from rival teams that are not considered, ‘listed parts.’ This is utilized extensively by Aston Martin and Haas who buy parts from Mercedes and Ferrari respectively. However, Alpha Tauri only acquires a few components from Red Bull. Helmut Marko noted the need for this to change, Hinting that the Franz Tost-led team needs to consider using all the non-listed parts from its senior team.
Helmut Marko concluded, “What is allowed is quite a lot. The whole rear axle, suspensions, gearboxes, and the like – that you use as much as possible from Red Bull Racing.” This design convergence might allow the Faenza-based team to close up the gap with its sister team. Presently, Alpha Tauri is the only team other than McLaren that hasn’t scored points in 2023. With both Yuki Tsunoda and Nyck de Vries struggling to break into the top 10.
Thus, it is clear that Red Bull Racing is unhappy with the results of its sister team. Dr. Helmut Marko’s ultimatum will put pressure on the team’s development side of things to improve. A design convergence with more non-listed Red Bull parts can only come into effect from 2024 if the Faenza-based team does take a step into this direction. For now, Alpha Tauri must improve its performance over the course of this season.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2367 Articles Published)