Hulk to Red Bull in 2014?

[beelsebob]

If Hulkenberg is to go to RBR in 2014, then Algesuari, Buemi, Riccardo, and Vergne are left well out in the lurch and there will be some questions that need answering, particularly about the Young Driver Program.

What is the point of a Young Driver's program if you're not going to commit to bringing up your groomed drivers from the ranks? I understand that Vettel may end up being the exception, rather than the rule, but to completely gloss over your stable will not sit well.

That's easy... The point is that it increases your chances of finding talent and already having it signed to you. That doesn't mean that you have to take all your drivers from that pool.

[raymondu999]

I agree with beelsebob. IMO the RB YDP is not an "academy" to develop drivers, but rather a "filtration" and "early booking" exercise

[Websta]

If that is the case, wouldn't it be much, much more cost effective to just poach the talented drivers from rival team driver development programs, sort of like McLaren snatching Perez? Can't any contract be bought-out?

[raymondu999]

Contracts can be bought. But idealistic loyalty cannot.

[iotar__]

Annual putting pressure on Webber or "showing him his place" before the season even began. How cute.

Last season in was publicly signing "Red Bull contract" with Vergne, by sheer accident caught by some photographer. Very subtle. In previous years it was Mateschitz/Marko yapping about replacing Webber with another supertalent from their young drivers' program. Every single season they've been "retiring" him and then signing another extension. Makes you wonder why they didn't give him 3 year contract in 2009, heh?

Couple differences now:

1. They ran out of bullshit, saying that Vergne is a replacement would be laughable, ironically it was fine last time around. The less you drive in F1, the better the chance to sell you as a future superstar. Marketing, nothing more.

So now they turned to more credible option, Hulk had a fine season and speaks the right language. Nevermind that he just signed for Sauber. At least they publicly admitting that replacing both TR drivers kept illusion of success of Red Bull young drivers program for only one more year. Looks like they're not good enough for senior team. Or is it too early to say?

2. Webber may be old enough now to retire so it can happen. Although I wouldn't be surprised if it was another 1 year extension while signing new driver for 2015.

[PlatinumZealot]

They won't send a number 1 to challenge Vettel in his own yard, so no, I can't see this happening.

[Morteza]

They won't send a number 1 to challenge Vettel in his own yard, so no, I can't see this happening.

Exactly. I feel the same about the subject. Anything threatening Seb's no. 1 status is out of the question. I also don't think Hulkenberg wants to play the role of a no. 2 driver, and have a supportive role to Vettel.

[Websta]

They won't send a number 1 to challenge Vettel in his own yard, so no, I can't see this happening.

Isn't the whole supposed point of the RBR driver program and STR to find a superstar talent (i.e. a number 1) to replace Webber and one day replace Vettel? Hulkenburg is the next big talent, so I definitely could see this happening.

They won't send a number 1 to challenge Vettel in his own yard, so no, I can't see this happening.

I also don't think Hulkenberg wants to play the role of a no. 2 driver, and have a supportive role to Vettel.

Hulkenburg would have a much better chance of equal footing at RBR than at Ferrari.

[CMSMJ1]

I am not convinced Hulk is the next big thing.

We all know how fast time flies...

What if (random example) Kimi were free...him in a Red Bull would be far better than Hulk..

The STR programme is a farce - there are no drivers coming into that system that would ever be promoted. Once they are in, they are dead meat and will be rotated out of the sport.

Was it Liuzzi the last STR driver that made a race start with another team...HRT?


Roll on the car launches anyways..this off season is turning my head to mush!

[Absolutelee]

Liuzzi raced a couple years for FI

[RB7ate9]

Roll on the car launches anyways..this off season is turning my head to mush!

Agreed.

[Vasconia]

If Vettel goes to Ferrari in 2016 it could be a good move for Hulk, if not the best option could be Mercedes or perhaps Mclaren. Why? because RB and Ferrari clearly support one driver and I dont think that Hulk wants to be a second driver.

But now he has at least 1 year, if not more, to deliver with Sauber, he has talent but now he has to develope as a driver.

[Juzh]

latest from helmut marko
"It seems to me that Webber has on average two races per year where he is unbeatable, but he can't maintain this form throughout the year," Marko said.
"And as soon as his prospects start to look good in the world championship, he has a little trouble with the pressure that this creates.

more on:
http://www.thef1times.com/news/display/07139

[CMSMJ1]

Are there many other "2nd" drivers that are unbeatable for 2 races a year?

be nice for some teams 1st drivers to be beating Mark some days...

[jdlive]

Marko is correct, Webber is an eternal underperformer. A bit like Hamilton although probably less talented.