F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Marko: Vergne success in Formula E won't reopen door to F1

Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko says the success achieved in Formula E by former junior bull Jean-Eric Vergne doesn't make the Frenchman eligible for a second shot at F1.

Vergne raced with Toro Rosso in F1 for three seasons between 2012 and 2014, but was dropped from Red Bull's junior programme thereafter, a fate that had previously befallen Sebastien Buemi.

However, both drivers found success in Formula E, with Buemi securing the title in the all-electric series' second season with Renault e.dams and Vergne consecutively winning the last two championships with DS Techeetah.

Red Bull's current junior programme is well populated according to Marko, but the energy drink company's bull pen also lacks a contender capable of immediately stepping up to F1 if necessary.

But Marko has dismissed any potential return to the F1 fray of reigning FE champion Vergne.

"Vergne is now winning in Formula E, but the requirement profile isn't comparable to what we need in Formula 1.," the Austrian told Motorsport-Total.

"If he returned, he would be a complete rookie. It takes a whole season just to get used to the characteristics of the Pirelli tyres."

©DSTecheetah

Marko says that if anything, Vergne's triumphs in Formula E offer further validation of the efficiency of Red Bull's junior programme which has seen Sebastian Vettel clinch multiple world titles and Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen become bona fide Grand Prix winners.

"We are very satisfied with that and proud of it," added the Austrian.

"We are now being copied on a large scale by others, but no one comes close to the success we have achieved."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

47 mins ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

2 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

4 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

5 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

7 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

8 hours ago