– Max Verstappen has been considered a benchmark in Formula 1 for years – and not just because of his speed. Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane now reveals that the four-time world champion also serves as a role model for junior drivers within the Red Bull cosmos.
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It’s not just about data or lap times, but above all about his communication and his way of working. Permane explains that the drivers of the sister team regularly look to Verstappen to learn from his approach.
“They do,” the Brit replies when asked if his drivers can learn a lot from Verstappen. “But only what other drivers can learn from him at the moment.” Racing Bulls uses numerous aids for this. “We use GPS data and listen to his radio communication.”
“Listen to how calm Max always remains”
One aspect in particular consistently impresses Permane: Verstappen’s communication with his race engineer. “One thing I keep telling our drivers is: Listen to his communication.”
The Racing Bulls team principal sees a crucial difference in this. “Listen to how calm he always remains. Listen to how good his feedback is.” Especially for young drivers, this is an important learning process. “I think this is a great example for junior drivers.”
That’s why Permane also refers to the Dutchman as a reference within the Red Bull program. He explicitly states that it’s not just about his pace. “Not only his speed, but also the way he behaves in and out of the car, is exemplary in my opinion.”
For this reason, Racing Bulls deliberately uses Verstappen as a guide. “That’s why I like to use him as a role model for our young drivers.”
The Goal Remains Promotion to Red Bull Racing
With Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls currently has two drivers who can hope for a cockpit with the big sister team in the long term. Permane sees this as the actual task of his racing stable. “I think that is definitely the goal of both our drivers.”
At the same time, he also describes the team’s mission. “My and our team’s goal is to develop drivers for this team.” However, he does not want to speculate about concrete personnel plans and refers to Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies as the responsible contact person.
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“Going into more detail is more a question for Laurent.” Racing Bulls’ task is rather to optimally prepare both drivers. “We have to put both in a position where they are ready for it.”
Should Red Bull need a driver in the future, the selection should be as large as possible. “If Laurent needs another driver, then he should have one or two candidates to choose from.”
Tsolov also attracts attention
In addition to the two current Formula 1 drivers, Racing Bulls also closely follows the development of young talents. Permane had particularly praising words for Formula 2 driver Nikola Tsolov, who recently presented himself in strong form. “He’s doing incredibly well.”
The team principal refers to his current results. “After his great weekend at Silverstone, he is now leading the championship.” Permane makes no secret of the fact that Tsolov is already on the candidate list for Formula 1.
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“To say he’s on our radar would even be an understatement.” From his point of view, the order is clear. “He’s next in line.” However, when a possible promotion could take place cannot be said at the moment. “Honestly, I don’t know when that will be.”
Currently, Racing Bulls sees no reason to intensively deal with this question. “It’s no excuse to say that we’re not thinking about it right now.” Instead, all involved parties are concentrating on their current tasks.
“He’s doing his job, we’re doing our job. Later this year, we will decide if and when he moves up to Racing Bulls.”
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