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Helmut Marko on driver strategy for rbr in 2026

Marko addresses exploring Russell as option: 'Faster than Hamilton'

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  • Kada Sarkozi
  • Editor

Christian Horner has previously said that Red Bull Racing are looking at drivers to sign for the 2026 season. Not only the British team principal expressed they are looking their junior drivers, but also at Mercedes driver George Russell. Top advisor Helmut Marko also shared his thoughts on the matter.

While Max Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, they Austrian team also have an option to extend Sergio Perez for 2026. Nevertheless, the Austrian racing team are already looking at possible successors, even beyond their own academy, as after Toto Wolff has said many times he is after Max Verstappen, for Red Bull, Russell is a candidate.

Red Bull has several options for 2026

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko addressed Horner's comments on the Briton. "George Russell is as fast as, if not faster than, Hamilton in qualifying. But George Russell is of the Mercedes brand," he told Motorsport-Total.

However, the Austrian also stoke about Red Bull's strategy of promoting their talent. "I think for now we are going to focus on our juniors. Look at Colapinto. A relatively inexperienced and not very successful guy in the junior series. I must also say that he has never had the best teams. He has done an incredible job."

Moreover, Red Bull have the chance to promote drivers from VCARB as well. "Now we are going to see what our juniors can do", Marko concluded.

This article was written in collaboration with Sandy van Wijngaarden

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