Red Bull racing has signed two new prospects to its Formula 1 Red Bull Junior Team after a test event in Jerez, Spain.
The Red Bull Driver Search consists of three days of selection and testing. 11 racers between the ages of 13 and 16 were invited to an open-wheel F4 and GP3 racing cars shootout, with performance assessed by Dr. Helmut Marko.
The talent hailed from the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Lebanon and Mexico, and from its ranks Fionn McLaughlin and Scott Lindblom were selected.
McLaughlin is a 16-year-old Karting racer from Derry, Ireland, who will enter F4 next season. Meanwhile, Lindblom impressed in his first Formula car outing, and will continue in Karting for Red Bull.
“What is important here is that we see most of them for the first time in a Formula car,” Dr. Marko said of the event.
“How they adapt, how quickly they progress and how their improvement is during a 2-day test.
“We are looking for both talent and speed, a driver to win a Grand Prix. We are really focused on how good these drivers are under pressure and on qualifying simulations.”
He continued, stating Red Bull “don’t buy stars, we make stars,” with drivers in the programme given access to simluators, training, and nutrition. “It’s perfect preparation for Formula 1.”
McLaughlin, whose driving inspiration is Red Bull’s own Sebastian Vettel, said “My goal in racing is to be a world champion.
“I never give up; I work hard until I’m at the top. I will keep working until I’m there “.
Lindblom reflected on a tough transition: ““My biggest challenge was adjusting my driving style from Karting to F4 because it was my first time in a F4 car”.
Despite the hurdle, Dr. Marko said “It was his first time in a Formula car, and he went out and was straight away competitive”.
Beyond its Championship success, one of Red Bull’s recognizable contributions to the sport has been the introduction and development of seismic driver talent.
Graduates of the program include Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and of course Max Verstappen.
Now, Red Bull has added two more drivers to its current stable, bringing the total to 11. Notable drivers include Ayumu Iwasa, Arvid Lindblad, Isack Hadjar, Pepe Marti, and Tim Tramnitz.
Red Bull says it will announce more names going through the programme in due course.
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