Marko throws new talent into “the deep end” to test their skills under pressure, a proven approach according to Vips, who points out the success rate of the Red Bull junior academy. Speaking on the F1 Feeder Series podcast, he said:
Over the last decade, Helmut Marko has developed a notorious reputation for his ruthless methods in training young talent who are part of the energy drinks company’s junior program. A former F1 driver himself, Marko believes that only the best of the bunch, who can cope under the most difficult conditions, are worth the team’s attention.
Underperforming drivers are usually given an ultimatum and if they fail to live up to standards, they are usually booted out on short notice, even in F1. While he has toned down his ruthlessness in recent years, Marko is still highly demanding of his drivers.
Recalling his own experience dealing with the austere Austrian, Vips said that he was only informed that he would be driving an F1 car just two days before his first test for the team. He added, saying:
Juri Vips remembers being “bullied” by Red Bull’s Helmut Marko
Giving even more insights into the workings of the Red Bull Junior Driver Academy, Juri Vips has revealed that Helmut Marko threatened to boot him out of the program after a disastrous performance during his very first run in an F1 simulator. Speaking on the Feeder Series podcast, he said:
Juri Vips has been with the Austrian team since 2018 and has driven for the team during the 2020 and 2021 young drivers’ tests. Currently driving in F2, the Estonian is aiming to follow in the footsteps of nearly a dozen Red Bull drivers into F1.
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