Speaking in a Dutch book called Formula Max, Marko said:
Many of the F1 drivers were excellent in their junior categories, however failed to deliver in F1. Nico Hulkenberg is one of the few with an excellent record outside F1, but was had the unenviable record of never scoring a podium in the sport in a decade. In that aspect, Marko had confidence in Max Verstappen’s talent, despite knowing it was a risk hiring him at the young age of 17.
Revealing details about Max Verstappen’s preparation, Marko said:
The Suzuka FP1 session Marko was referring to was the Dutchman’s first F1 outing at the 2014 Japanese GP weekend, where he replaced Jean Eric Vergne at Toro Rosso. Aged 16, the Dutchman had clocked the 12th fastest lap of the session, impressing his Red Bull recruiters.
Helmut Marko believes Max Verstappen matched Carlos Sainz in the Toro Rosso
In his debut year at Toro Rosso, the Dutch champion was paired with a far more experienced Carlos Sainz. However, according to Helmut Marko the 17 year old Dutchman who had minimal single-seater racing experience was able to match the Spaniard in an F1 car immediately.
Explaining why hiring the Dutch driver was worth the risk, Marko said:
While both Red Bull and Helmut Marko knew it was a risk to hire Max Verstappen at a young age, neither have regretted it since. The Dutchman had learnt to compete and outperform much older and more experienced rivals and world champions in his second season in F1. Red Bull’s proudest moment was when he won the 2016 Spanish GP at his first weekend with the Milton Keynes team.
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