Brown: Red Bull 'have ruined' a few great drivers

McLaren boss Zak Brown believes Red Bull "ruined" the careers of several great drivers by not giving them the time and opportunities their talent deserved.

Among those that raced under the energy drink company's banner and who were later sent off with their tail between their legs is current Arrow McLaren SP IndyCar star Pato O'Ward.

The Mexican was added to Red Bull's junior program in the spring of 2019, but a couple of races in the FIA Formula 2 Championship and the Japanese Super Formula Series failed to convince Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko to retain O'Ward beyond 2019.

Since, the 22-year-old has become a two-time winner in IndyCar with McLaren, a favourite for this year's title in the US series and a potential F1 prospect.

Brown says O'Ward is a good example of a great driver that "slipped through the cracks" at Red Bull.

"I think Red Bull, while he was there, they only gave him about three races," commented Brown, quoted by The Race.

"But if you look at Red Bull's history, other than Max [Verstappen], they have let a handful of great drivers slip through their hands.

"I think they've ruined a few that I think had it but weren't given enough opportunity.

"But they won the championship last year, we didn't, so I can't say they don't know what they’re doing."

• Read also - Brown: O'Ward and 'another driver' in line for McLaren FP1 outings

Marko's ruthless dismissal of young drivers who fail to impress him are well chronicled. But the Austrian has also helped countless young hopefuls among the way by giving them a crucial final step up the ladder.

"But they’re a bit brutal," Brown maintained. "Carlos [Sainz] is a great example. Daniel [Ricciardo] had already proven how good he was but he chose to leave.

"Vettel left. Max is a great story and someone that they found. Albon, Gasly… Gasly looks like a hell of a driver.

"They move through a lot of drivers."

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