Red Bull set sights on Fernando Alonso’s academy recruit Pepe Marti in search of the next Max Verstappen

Formula 3 racer Pepe Marti eyed for Red Bull Junior Team, says advisor Helmut Marko

Red Bull set sights on Fernando Alonso’s academy recruit Pepe Marti in search of the next Max Verstappen

Formula 3 racer Pepe Marti eyed for Red Bull Junior Team, says advisor Helmut Marko

Besides winning titles, Red Bull is known for its widely successful junior driver program. Drivers like Carlos Sainz, Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, and many more have emerged from this Red Bull academy. Helmut Marko, who looks over the Red Bull driver academy, has recently spotted Pepe Marti as a new prospect.

When asked by Mundo Deprtivo about Red Bull’s interest in the young Spaniard, he responded with a “yes.” “He is very good. He has done very well,” Marko stated. “I have been following him for a long time, not only today. I’ve been watching him since he jumped into F3. His improvement is significant,” the Austrian continued to praise Pepe Marti. The Spaniard was photographed with Helmut Marko at the Spanish GP.

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Pepe Marti is an 18-year-old Spanish driver competing for Campos Racing in the F3 championship. Marti has impressed many after his impressive results in Formula 3. After sprint race victories in Sakhir and Monaco, he won his first feature race in Barcelona. He was also signed by Fernando Alonso’s A14 management in September 2022.

If Marti makes it into Red Bull’s junior program, the Milton Keynes outfit will only add to the talent it already has. Ayumu Iwasa, Dennis Hauger, and Liam Lawson are among many drivers who are eyeing a place at Red Bull’s sister team AlphaTauri.

Also read: Carlos Sainz backs Ferrari despite dismissal start to 2023 season, claims the team is moving in the ‘right direction’

Fernando Alonso’s mentorship proved to be beneficial for young Pepe Marti

Fernando Alonso established his managing company ‘A14’ in March of last year. Many drivers, including Marti, are a part of his company. However, according to the young Spaniard, Alonso has been actively dedicated himself to the junior drivers.

“When we can, we organise a session for three riders or more and Fernando, when available, joins the sessions,” Martí said. He also discussed how Alonso finds time to guide the drivers in his schedule. “Last time he joined for half an hour because he had a meeting afterwards and wanted to come back when it was over,” said Pepe.

In this year’s F3 championship, Marti has scored points in every race barring one. Despite his three race victories, Marti is still 24 points behind championship leader Gabriel Bortoleto. The Brazilian driver, too, is a part of Alonso’s A14.

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