Christian Horner backs Helmut Marko’s blunt take on Isack Hadjar’s emotional moment, calling it part of a tough, old-school mentality.
Horner has stepped in to support Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko after the veteran came under fire for criticizing young driver Isack Hadjar.
Hadjar, a promising talent with Racing Bulls, had a tough moment at the start of the Formula 1 season in Australia. He crashed during the formation lap and was later seen in tears in the Melbourne paddock, comforted by Lewis Hamilton’s father, Anthony.
Marko Slams Hadjar, Horner Responds
Marko didn’t hold back, calling Hadjar’s emotional reaction “embarrassing.”
But Horner, Red Bull Racing’s team boss, offered a more measured view.
“Look, Helmut is 82 years old. He’s from a different era,” Horner explained. “He’s a guy who once lost an eye, parked his car, and just switched off the engine. He’ll always have his own opinion – and that’s his right.”
“Do we all share that view? No. It was sad to see Isack so upset. But he’s only 20 years old, and he’s got a bright future ahead. He’ll bounce back.”
Hadjar is just one of many drivers to come through Red Bull’s junior program. In fact, eight of the 20 drivers expected on the 2025 F1 grid have been part of that system.
Current stars like Max Verstappen, Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson, and Hadjar are racing with Red Bull-backed teams. Meanwhile, others like Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Carlos Sainz, and Jack Doohan also came up through Red Bull ranks.
Horner is proud of Red Bull’s approach to developing young drivers.
“Every driver progresses at their own pace,” he said. “I even helped Alex get a seat at Williams in 2021. They’ve all gained experience now. But let’s not forget—none of them would’ve had that first break without Red Bull.”
“Other teams didn’t take those chances on Carlos, Alex, Pierre, Liam, or Yuki. Red Bull did. We invested in youth and gave them a platform.”
“Of course, you can’t give drivers unlimited time. But if they manage to build a career—whether with us or elsewhere—that’s a win.”
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Red Bull’s Youth Policy Under Fire After Hadjar Crash
Red Bull’s Youth Policy Under Fire After Hadjar Crash
