Could she follow Verstappen? Helmut Marko optimistic about Red Bull's latest talent
Co-author:Samson Ero
Nicole MulderManaging Editor
Nicole Mulder is Managing Editor at GPblog and a specialist in Formula 1 and MotoGP. With years of experience and permanent FIA accreditation at Grands Prix worldwide, she delivers reliable coverage and insights based on direct access to drivers and the F1 paddock.
Red Bull has strengthened its Junior Team with two new additions: Swiss driver Chiara Bättig and Italian Mattia Colnaghi. Bättig will make the step up from karting to Formula 4 in the coming season, representing Red Bull Racing. Head of the Junior Team, Helmut Marko, expressed optimism about her first steps in single-seaters.
The 82-year-old also reflected on how the team’s philosophy has evolved over the years. What began with founder Dietrich Mateschitz simply helping young drivers enter motorsports has since developed into a much more ambitious project. Today, the goal is not only to support talent but to find drivers capable of winning at the very highest level.
“The history of the Red Bull Junior team was that Mr. Mateschitz was trying to help young drivers just to get into motor racing. From just supporting drivers, we changed the goal. We're looking for a driver who can at least win a Grand Prix. It was her first time in a Formula car, straight from karting, and her performance was good.”
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Helmut Marko sees Bättig’s early transition as a positive sign. The Red Bull advisor draws parallels with other talents who joined the programme at a young age.“She was successful in karts, and the speed she showed in the Formula car makes us look forward that it could be a very successful season.”
Red Bull’s plan for Bättig is clear: first, gain experience in Formula 4 and prove herself there. Marko stresses that this step is crucial for future opportunities. “It's always the same, we are trying to find drivers who can make it into the racing bull team, and if they are successful there, you know, they move up to Red Bull Racing and like Verstappen or like Vettel, become world champion.”
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