Helmut Marko: “Daniel will be a leader”

The announcement caused a stir. A few hours before the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka on the weekend of October 5, Sebastian Vettel announced his departure from the stable Red Bull, to more than likely take up the challenge Ferrari replacing Fernando Alonso who should leave Italy. A somewhat surprising announcement given the German's comments since the beginning of the summer, who declared to anyone who would listen “that he had a contract with Red Bull, and that he was happy where he was. », but which Helmut Marko had seen coming. “I think the first suspicion was after the summer break. I can't tie it to an event, but it was a strong intuition. Remember this: at least two things had to come together. It wasn't just Sebastian leaving, but it was also Fernando Alonso leading the way. The more Alonso distanced himself from Ferrari, the more it became clear that Seb was going to leave. Ferrari is still THE name in F1. It's a myth, so every driver aspires to go there during their career. Sebastian has already won four times. Now it's time for the myth. I also believe the timing was ideal: Ferrari is down, and in such a situation you can dictate your terms. »

Christian Horner's team quickly announced his replacement by the young Russian Daniil Kvyat, who will be lined up alongside Daniel Ricciardo in 2015. A duo which will give satisfaction according to Marko. “We always believed that Daniel could take on the mantle of team leader. But all our drivers are always treated equally. The only difference between him and Daniil next year will be experience. We are in the comfortable situation of having a pool of great talents, we can choose as we want. And believe me, we wouldn't have favored Kvyat if we don't believe in him. »

Red Bull will field the youngest pair of drivers in the field next year. “We especially want a victorious pair. » Marko concludes.