Brown critical of Red Bull talent program: "They're a bit brutal"

Over the past decade, Red Bull Racing 's talent program has proven itself several times over. Think for example of Daniel Ricciardo and of course Max Verstappen. However, there are also many drivers who were once part of that program, got thrown out and still have a great career in motorsport.

Consider, for example, Alexander Albon, who was later brought back in, but could not initially continue at Red Bull during his time in the juniors. Another example is Patrick O'Ward. The Mexican was once scouted by Red Bull, but was given tremendously few opportunities and then had to leave. He eventually found a home at McLaren in 2019, where he now drives for in the IndyCar and is riding high. Zak Brown sometimes still marvels at how Red Bull let O'Ward go.

Brown criticizes, but 'they are champions'

"He definitely slipped through the cracks. I think Red Bull, while he was there, they only gave him about three races. But if you look at Red Bull’s history other than Max [Verstappen], they have let a handful of great drivers slip through their hands," Brown explained to The Race. "I think they’ve ruined a few that I think had it, but weren’t given enough opportunity. But they won the championship last year, we didn’t, so I can’t say they don’t know what they’re doing."

At McLaren, they have been grateful to use drivers who have left Red Bull in recent years. Think Carlos Sainz in 2019 and 2020 and current McLaren driver Ricciardo. "They’re a bit brutal. Carlos is a great example. Daniel had already proven how good he was but he chose to leave. Vettel left. Max is a great story and someone that they found."