Marko expects a lot from young Frenchman: 'Looks like Prost'

Helmut Marko expects a lot from Isack Hadjar. The Red Bull Racing advisor compares the still only 18-year-old Frenchman to compatriot and four-time World Champion Alain Prost. There are also two newcomers within the Red Bull junior programme with Zane Malone and Enzo Fittipaldi. Marko talks about the driver academy's plans for 2023.

"Especially Frenchman Isack Hadjar, whom I call the little Prost because he does look a bit like Alain Prost," Marko interjects in conversation with Auto, Motor und Sport. "Then we have Zane Malone, a talent from Barbados, and Enzo Fittipaldi. They drive for us in Formula 2 and have to prove themselves there. The key is to be at the front there consistently. Our Liam Lawson was sometimes not among them."

Stayers and leavers in Red Bull junior programme

With that, the Austrian has already confirmed three talents in the entry-level class for 2023. Ayumu Iwasa, Dennis Hauger, Juri Vips and Jehan Daruvala also defended Red Bull's colours last season. The latter has since left as a reserve driver with Mahindra's Formula E team. With Vips, ties were severed after an awkward statement on the internet during the season.

Iwasa, who also has ties with sponsor Honda, and Hauger only debuted in Formula 2 last season and appear to be gearing up for another season. Lawson has been sent to Japan by Marko to compete in Japanese Super Formula, like Pierre Gasly in the past, in preparation for a possible Formula 1 adventure.

Red Bull juniors in Formula 3

Sebastian Montoya will compete in Formula 3 next year on behalf of Red Bull. "So we have a broad base. But if, like this year, no top driver presents himself, we look around in the outside market. And that's where Nyck de Vries has come in. Ultimately, we need drivers who have the potential to win a Grand Prix one day. And we didn't have that [at that time]," Marko concluded.