Breaking news: Red Bull Boss Once Dismissed Danica Patrick’s….readmore
As Formula 1 returns to Miami this weekend, motorsport fans can expect to see Danica Patrick in the spotlight once again—not behind the wheel, but as a pundit offering expert analysis. While Patrick is now widely respected for her broadcasting work, there was a time when speculation swirled around the possibility of her joining the elite ranks of Formula 1 drivers. However, that dream was swiftly and harshly shut down by none other than Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko.
Patrick carved out a notable career in motorsports, gaining fame in both IndyCar and NASCAR. She made history as the first woman to win an IndyCar race and was named Rookie of the Year in both IndyCar and the Indianapolis 500. Her transition into NASCAR helped her further broaden her appeal and fanbase, and at one point, there was real buzz around whether she might make the leap to Formula 1.
Despite the attention and interest, a move to F1 never came to fruition. One of the more striking obstacles in her path came from Marko, Red Bull’s notoriously blunt talent scout and motorsport advisor. In 2013, Marko made headlines when he openly dismissed the idea of Patrick ever driving for Red Bull in F1, stating that she simply didn’t meet the performance standard required.
Specifically, Marko pointed to her underwhelming results on road courses during her IndyCar days as a major factor. While Patrick showed strong performances on ovals, her struggles on road and street circuits—which are more comparable to the types of tracks found in Formula 1—were seen as a limitation. Marko didn’t mince words, saying that her driving skills were not at the level necessary to be seriously considered for a Formula 1 seat, especially with a top-tier team like Red Bull.
The remark highlighted the ultra-competitive and demanding nature of Formula 1, where only the highest-performing drivers are given opportunities. While Patrick’s achievements in American motorsport were groundbreaking, the F1 world viewed her credentials with skepticism, especially when it came to adapting to the more technical and physically demanding F1 circuits.
Today, Patrick remains a high-profile figure in motorsports and continues to break barriers in her post-driving career. But Marko’s blunt assessment stands as a reminder of how tough and exclusive the world of Formula 1 can be—even for motorsport stars.
