Marko analyses competition: 'He is an exceptional talent'

Helmut Marko has his sights set on the world title with Red Bull Racing, but the Austrian wouldn't have become such a great talent scout if he didn't know what the competition had to offer. Red Bull's top man gives his prediction on other drivers.

Helmut Marko will have his hands full with his own talents at Red Bull in 2021. At the main team Red Bull Racing, he will have an experienced driver alongside Max Verstappen and at AlphaTauri, a talented 'Rookie' will step in alongside Pierre Gasly: Yuki Tsunoda. Yet Marko is also looking at other talents.

It will be very difficult for him (Mick Schumacher ) to get into the points. Then he also has a teammate with whom he is not familiar. It won't be an easy year for him,'' Marko told Speedweek.com. The Austrian is not only looking at new talent, but also at the apple of his eye and former pupil.

Sebastian Vettel needs the support of a team, a sense of security, and he didn't get that at Ferrari in the last two or three years. That was not the Seb we know. Including all the mistakes he made consecutively.'' Vettel does face competition in the midfield from an old friend. Fernando Alonso returns to Alpine Formula 1.

Alonso is an exceptional talent. Very ambitious and focused. Alonso is by far the most experienced man on the team, and that will be an interesting combination. I also expect Daniel Ricciardo at the front of the field. McLaren has improved tremendously, but I don't think they can make the step to the top yet'', concludes Marko.