Ten names on Toro Rosso's 2019 line-up list
- Published on 05 Sep 2018 11:22
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko says that there are ten names on Toro Rosso's list of potential 2019 drivers. Red Bull is used to promoting its junior drivers into Toro Rosso for their Formula 1 debuts, with Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly all coming through the Red Bull junior programme.
However, the programme currently has no junior drivers ready for F1 next season, meaning that the team has to search elsewhere to fill its seats. Gasly will be leaving the team at the end of the year to join senior squad Red Bull, as Ricciardo will leave for Renault.
Brendon Hartley was brought in towards the end of the 2017 season to drive for Toro Rosso, despite having not tested for the team in a number of years. The Kiwi has struggled this year, and Marko says his drive for 2019 isn't safe: "There needs to be a significant increase (from Hartley) in the last races this season," Marko told Speed Week.
Former Toro Rosso drivers such as Jean-Eric Vergne and Daniil Kvyat have been linked with a return, with the latter mentioned driver believed to be the favourite for a 2019 seat. Alex Albon, who was part of the Red Bull junior programme in 2012, has also been mentioned after an impressive Formula 2 campaign so far in 2018.
But Red Bull is not rushing over the situation, with Marko claiming that there are plenty of options to choose from: "There is no shortlist, it's more like a long-list," Marko smiled. "There are ten names on it."
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Replies (10)
Login to replyNihilist
Posts: 11
I hope Robert Kubica is on this list and at the same time I appeal to the authorities of RB / STR - let him return to F1.
It will be an amazing story that fits into the strategic vision of the entire Red Bull.
At the same time, it is one of the most talented drivers at the stake, with extensive experience and technical knowledge. This unique mix of competences will be very useful for you, especially in the coming years!
eresix
Posts: 3
I doubt people's opinion matters, but I fully agree with you.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Ten people on that list. But not a single decent candidate from Red Bull ranks. Their young driver program is in bad shape right now.
Kean
Posts: 692
Ocon
Russell
Kvyat
Vandoorne
Vergne
Giovinazzi
Wehrlein
Kubica
Hartley
Albon
xoya
Posts: 583
Put Vandoorne and Wehrlein in there.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I think whoever signs Vandoorne will score a big win. He'll be cheap, and he's a proven talent (as long as you're willing to set aside the 2018 season of course)
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
A season that IMO doesnt really count. He is in a miserable car that isnt developed around him. Give him something better and I think we'd see more representative results.
Patentprutser
Posts: 392
Let there be Vandoorne on this list as number ONE
f1ski
Posts: 726
hartley made it IMO for his development info on the car. Put Kubica in he will bw faster and provide input
Peter-NL
Posts: 1
Now Sainz and Noris are booked for 2019 is Nick de Vries (protegé of Mclaren) free to go to Toro Rosso? The winner of Spa 2018. The next flying Dutchman ?