Marko signals Red Bull F1 seat for Verstappen in 2017
Helmut Marko has strongly indicated Max Verstappen could be promoted from Toro Rosso to Red Bull Racing for the 2017 Formula One season, intensifying speculation around the team's driver line-up.
Helmut Marko, head of Red Bull’s driver development, has publicly suggested Max Verstappen is in line for a Red Bull Racing seat in 2017, raising pressure on the team’s current line-up and fuelling speculation about Daniil Kvyat’s future.
Marko told German publication Sport Bild that Red Bull’s policy is to move exceptional Toro Rosso drivers up to the main team after two years, and described Verstappen’s performance as “extremely good”. Verstappen, now in his second season with Toro Rosso, has been widely tipped for promotion since his debut. If Red Bull does not create space for him, Verstappen and his father Jos are reportedly free to discuss opportunities with other top teams such as Mercedes or Ferrari for 2017.
Pressure on Kvyat as Ricciardo stays
A Verstappen promotion would almost certainly come at the expense of Daniil Kvyat, who would be moved back to Toro Rosso despite his recent strong results. This scenario is supported by reports from Auto Bild that, during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend, Marko assured Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne that Daniel Ricciardo is not available for a move to Maranello. Marko confirmed that Ferrari had shown interest in Ricciardo as early as 2015, but insisted the Australian is staying at Red Bull.
The situation leaves Kvyat vulnerable, even though he has delivered points and podiums. Red Bull’s approach to its young driver programme has always been aggressive, with previous Toro Rosso graduates such as Sebastian Vettel and Ricciardo themselves promoted after two seasons.
Red Bull’s handling of its driver line-up is being watched closely by rivals, especially as Verstappen’s contract reportedly allows for an exit if he is not promoted. The team’s driver policy and the future of its young stars remain a central talking point in the Formula One paddock.
For further background on Verstappen’s contract situation, seeVerstappen Could Leave Red Bull for 2017 Without Promotion, Report Claims.
