Helmut Marko still pissed with Formula 1’s age restriction rule

Helmut Marko still pissed with Formula 1’s age restriction rule

Helmut and Max

Helmut Marko the current RedBull team adviser is not a fan of the FIA’s age entry rule and has not held back his opinion regarding the rule. He is the one who played a crucial role in fast-tracking Max Verstappen into the sport.

It has been stated in Planetf1 that Helmut Marko has said “It is nonsense, that a 17-year-old like Max Verstappen can no longer race in Formula1. He is the one who is credited for bringing Max Verstappen into the sport as during 2015 he was the one who first recognized Max Verstappen’s potential.

Helmut Marko got everything in motion for Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen

The RedBull team adviser is the one who helped Max Verstappen in realizing his dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver. During his interview, he said that back in the day he usually talked to prospective drivers for 20-30 minutes but the maturity of Max impressed him and he talked for 1 hour with Max Verstappen.

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Helmut Marko gave a special mention to the moment of 2014 when Max won three out of three races at the European Formula 3 championship and it was at that moment when Helmut Marko decided that he was physically and mentally ready for Formula1. In his opinion, those three races were the deciding factor.

He further added that “We have never doubted our own choices or Max’s qualities, although it is a gamble whether drivers who are successful in the entry-level classes can do the same in Formula1. You never have that guarantee.”

Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen

He got his opportunity in 2015 alongside Carlos Sainz who was 20 years old at that time, Max was only 17. Ever since then the FIA has changed the rule and has stated that the minimum age required to be an F1 driver is 18. Helmut Marko still is not happy with the decision and hopes that the rule gets changed soon.

In his opinion, the age rule hinders talent from getting a taste of Formula1 at a young age. Max started at 17 and is now a champion, he believes if the rule is changed it would open the door for more young people like Max to make their mark in Formula 1.