Red Bull Racing came very close to signing Nico Hulkenberg before ultimately choosing Sergio Perez, according to Helmut Marko, the team’s motorsport adviser. This decision took place amid Red Bull’s search for a strong teammate to Max Verstappen from the 2021 season onward, with the team based in Milton Keynes making a pivotal choice based on recent race performances.
The Influence of Perez’s Breakthrough Victory
Sergio Perez secured his contract with Red Bull after winning his first Grand Prix at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, held at the Bahrain International Circuit. His success in that race tipped the scales in his favor, leading Red Bull to sign him as Verstappen’s teammate through to the end of 2024, before young driver Liam Lawson took over Perez’s position.
Marko revealed,
“At that time he [Hulkenberg] was, I think, a co-commentator at Servus TV, so there was already a relationship there, and there were the beginnings of talks, but then Perez won that race in Bahrain, I think, and because of that everything turned in Perez’s direction.”
—Helmut Marko, Red Bull Motorsport Adviser
Hulkenberg as a Reliable Contender
According to Marko, Hulkenberg would have brought solid consistency to the team, offering reliable points finishes and competitive results. He highlighted the good rapport between the two drivers and expressed confidence in Hulkenberg’s ability to perform well in the Red Bull car.
“I think it would have been a really nice time, because the two get along very well, and yes, Hulkenberg is a safe bank for points, and in our car it would also have been top positions.”
—Helmut Marko, Red Bull Motorsport Adviser
Marko’s Reflections on Driver Choices and Careers
Helmut Marko has been a key figure within Red Bull since the team’s entry into Formula 1 in 2005, overseeing its driver development program that helped launch the careers of names such as Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, Carlos Sainz, Daniel Ricciardo, and Pierre Gasly. When questioned about whether he regrets any past decisions, Marko stood firm in his choices.
“Actually, I stand by the decisions, and one has to bear in mind that over 95% of the drivers who did not remain in our cadre then go on to race in Formula E, race in WEC, race in DTM or elsewhere,”
he explained.
“They earn good money – far more than they probably could in a civilian profession – and then they do what they love, namely compete in motorsport. And that was mainly made possible through our involvement. And Formula 1 is the pinnacle, and it requires not only talent but also special characteristics and a certain strength, both mentally and in overall constitution.”
—Helmut Marko, Red Bull Motorsport Adviser
The Importance of Mental Strength in Formula 1
Marko also emphasized the unique demands of Formula 1, noting that success requires more than just driving skill. Mental resilience and physical fitness are crucial to competing at the sport’s highest level. Red Bull’s driver selections reflect these criteria, which shaped the choice in favor of Perez after his breakthrough race.
What This Decision Means for the Future
The choice between Hulkenberg and Perez showcases Red Bull’s commitment to balancing talent with race-winning potential and team dynamics. While Hulkenberg’s consistent scoring ability was valued, Perez’s victory and momentum aligned better with Red Bull’s goals at the time. As Red Bull continues to develop young drivers like Liam Lawson, this episode underlines the complex evaluations teams make when building their driver lineup to compete at the top of Formula 1.
