Dr Helmut Marko has defended Red Bull’s notorious driver development program – even though outsider Sergio Perez is replacing Alex Albon for 2021. It’s only a one-year deal for the experienced and on-form Mexican Perez, leaving the door open for Albon or another young driver to race in 2022 after what Marko described as an “up and down” year for the British-born Thai. “But if the others had such a track record such as ours with their own young drivers, I think they would be very satisfied,” he added. “Even the drivers who did not go to Formula 1 with us still earn their money with racing today – in other words, doing exactly the job they love,” said Marko. “If a young driver really matters to us, we have the option for 2022 again,” said Marko.

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