The future prospects of the new Red Bull Racing reserve driver

At 22 years of age, the Brazilian is still very young and has undergone considerable development in recent years. For a moment it looked as if he was going to seek refuge in the IndyCar championship, but thanks to a second chance from Red Bull, he has turned his sights back on Formula 1. GPblog.com talked to Rafael Lopez, Brazilian F1 reporter for Globo, about the future of his young compatriot.

After the test days in Barcelona, Sette Camara was announced as a reserve driver at Red Bull Racing. Did that news come as a surprise in Brazil?

"For the fans here it was a surprise. Sergio had a good season in Formula 2 in 2019, but was already thinking about moving to the United States. At the same time he remained a McLaren development driver. For me it was no surprise that he is going to Red Bull. I knew there were negotiations since December. And McLaren's good recommendation and the good F2 season ensured that Helmut Marko's interest was rekindled".

Did Camara enforce this after 3 years in F2 or is it because Red Bull has no one of its own junior program?

"I think a little bit of both. It is a fact that Red Bull has had a gap in his junior program in recent years, but they have only looked at Sergio because of his good performance in Formula 2. Especially last year, when he had two victories thanks to good race management and especially thanks to very good control of tire wear".

What did you think of the step from Sette Camara to America, to the IndyCar?

"I think it was worth it. There were no good openings in Formula 1 and staying another year in Formula 2 was not attractive. A year of high level participation in the IndyCar could bear fruit for a return to European motor racing".

Sette Camara was supposed to drive for Carlin in the IndyCar, but that deal bounced off at the last minute. Probably whispered by Red Bull and Honda he is now driving in the Super Formula Championship in Japan. A road that Pierre Gasly successfully took. The question is whether the Brazilian can do the same.

How much does it say about Camara that after three years in the F2 he doesn't know how to take a step up and leave for America? Is he potentially F1 material?

"The move to Formula 1 today is not just about talent. You need a good amount of sponsors and money to secure your place. That was not the case for him this year, until the opportunity of the Red Bull program appeared. I think Sergio can perform well in F1. He just has to have a good chance to show his talent."

Sette Camara has already been in the junior program of Red Bull in 2016, so why has failed?

"I've already talked to him about it. He said he wasn't that mature then and that's why he didn't perform well in 2016. The years outside the Red Bull program did him good. He recovered and now he's recovered. He is in a good position to achieve his dream of reaching Formula 1".