Marko on De Vries: 'Candidate for Red Bull must be extraordinary'

Strict Red Bull Racing team advisor and talent scout Dr. Helmut Marko has his doubts about Nyck de Vries after the first race of the 2023 F1 season. Growth opportunities for the Dutchman are there at AlphaTauri, but he would have to show something extraordinary.

Candidates for Red Bull must be extraordinary

Based on the race in Bahrain, Marko states that he has yet to see that in De Vries. There are some basic requirements to go to the top team according to the Austrian. And at the moment, he and his teammate Yuki Tsunoda stand an equal chance, Marko informs Motorsport-total.com. Indeed, to be a candidate for a seat at Red Bull, you have to blow the team over.

Mercedes chief Andrew Shovlin worked closely with De Vries during his time as Mercedes' reserve driver. Shovlin sounds more positive about the Dutchman's chances. Indeed, he sees De Vries making the switch to the top team soon. Shovlin sees it happening as early as next year.

Marko doubts De Vries' potential

After De Vries' season opener, Marko is a bit cautious about De Vries' chances: "You have to give him a certain chance. How he works and his attitude are fine, but he also has to deliver now." Although Marko and AlphaTauri are impressed by his professionalism and feedback, Marko sees practical deficits on the track.

Marko believes the Dutchman needs to accelerate. De Vries lost too much time compared to his teammate's lst race. In sector one in Bahrain, De Vries still kept up with his teammate, but the gap in sector two was too big. Over the whole race, it was not enough in Marko's opinion.