F1 hopeful says Red Bull is leaving, and two more stars will be included in the makeover.
Red Bull’s driver development program has a big number of young drivers on its roster, but changes seem to be in the works as one has already left and at least two more are anticipated to follow.
Dennis Hauger declared that he is the first of several Red Bull junior driver program participants who are anticipated to leave.
The 20-year-old Norwegian driver is nearing the conclusion of his second Formula 2 season. However, he has been a part of the Red Bull program for a much longer—he was among a number of new recruits to the youth squad when they were unveiled back in September 2017.
He has also served as the F1 team’s official reserve driver this year, keeping a watchful eye on things at many race weekends in case a last-minute replacement is required. However, the six-year collaboration is drawing to a close.
Hauger made the announcement on social media by himself. “For the 2024 season, I’ll be parting ways with the Red Bull Junior Team,” he wrote in a note. “I’m appreciative of their help over the years and eager to take advantage of any future chances. I’ll be returning to Formula 2 next year, and I have the championship as my only objective.”
In the upcoming weeks and months, a number of people are anticipated to leave the Red Bull program, including him. After sponsoring six Formula Two drivers this year, the team intends to update its junior offerings in the future.
Zane Maloney and Enzo Fittipaldi are also anticipated to leave the Red Bull stable, though no names have been formally revealed as of yet. Both compete in Formula 2 for Rodin Carlin, and Mirror Sport was informed of the upcoming transition by Rodin Cars CEO David Dicker.
“The support for most of the guys in these junior teams is next to zero, from the information that I have,” he stated. Red Bull will not be sponsoring them next year, as far as I’m aware. Since Red Bull already has more skilled drivers than seats, let’s face it: what good is it to try?”
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Though none have been announced as of yet, more departures are certainly probable. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner also spoke to Mirror Sport, but he refrained from providing specifics of their long-term plans for the driver development program, instead focusing on what individuals who receive Red Bull help must demonstrate.
“We’re not lacking talent in the organisation and Helmut [Marko] has done a great job of identifying young talent, which is his primary role,” he stated. “A Max Verstappen cannot be produced every year.
“Sometimes talent comes in waves, and Red Bull has excelled in providing drivers with opportunities that they might not have otherwise had. It is a challenging program, but Formula 1 isn’t a finishing school; drivers who perform are given opportunities. You have to arrive as the final product.”
