Helmut Marko: 79 years of redefining expectations

Not many could say that they’ve won Leman (while setting a distance record that would stand for 39 years), gotten a doctorate in law, or played a significant role in nurturing the talent of 30% of the current F1 grid. Let alone all three. This is something that Dr Helmut Marko has achieved, and as the Austrian turns 79 today, we’ll have a look back at how it all has happened.

Humble Beginnings

Born in Graz, Austria in 1943, Marko has never exactly been on the straight and narrow. The “Dr Evil” of Red Bull was once more of an Evel Knievel type. Known as a bit of a daredevil around town, he and his childhood friend and 1970 F1 World Champion Jochen Rindt were known as troublemakers. The partners in crime got in trouble at school starting in the seventh grade all the way through to their entrance to university. Both men failed their entrance exam but perhaps that was a blessing in disguise, as that weekend, rather than travel home the two set their sights on the Nürburgring to watch their first F1 GP, and it was there Marko fell in love with the sport at 18.

Helmut the Racer

The Austrian went on to get his doctorate in 1967 at the age of 24.  The same year he’d win a Formula Vee race around Monaco. Something that would have taken a lot of commitment and talent. Something that Marko now expects to be replicated by his Red Bull Drivers.

1971 was a big year for the doctor, as not only would he become a Leman Champion and debut in F1. It would be his first year in racing without Jochen Rindt, who tragically died in September 1970. Making his debut in his home race in Austria with BRM. Marko would continue with BRM in 1972 as well until he suffered an eye injury in the 1972 French Grand Prix when a stone was thrown up into his eye through his visor.

Which ended his racing career. However, Dr Marko would not let it end his motorsport career as he’d go on to manage drivers like Gerhard Burger, before setting up his own Formula 3 team. Which would become known as ‘Red Bull Junior Team’ from 1999.

Revolutionizing Red Bull

It’s this work with Red Bull and its junior team that Marko is most known for. The Austrian is known for being ruthless, unforgiven and reactionary at times. Something that he has received some criticism from media and fans for before. Although, it’s an argument that this is what’s allowed the Red Bull junior program to see the success that it has.

5 F1 Driver Championships, 4 Formula E driver championships and two drivers of the greatest drivers of their generation Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen have been produced by Red Bull juniors since the start of 2010, all drivers that have been of Marko’s revolutionary drivers’ program. Let alone the current success reflected on the F1 grid. 6 of the 20 drivers have been a part of his program and thrived because of it. A key example of this will be Verstappen, a driver that perhaps Marko saw himself in with the risk-taking and daredevils qualities. Verstappen had the quickest accession to modern Formula 1 that we’ve seen, a gamble for sure. But one that has paid off. The ruthlessness of Marko’s structure is shown in 2016 with the promotion of Verstappen and the demotion of Danil Kvyat between Red Bull and Toro Rosso, which immediately resulted in a win for the Dutchman. Something Marko has listed in his top 3 moments of his career.

Although relentless at times, it’s clear Marko cares for his drivers, his team, and the sport. While not always being the most personable person. It is that hard nature that has produced results on countless occasions and allows himself and the company he holds to hold themselves in a high remark.

From all of us at GPBlog, Happy Birthday Dr Marko.