F1 News: New AlphaTauri CEO Reveals Helmut Marko's Supports In Challenging Start

In a recent interview, AlphaTauri's chief executive Peter Bayer reflected on his first six months with the team, opening up on the helpful advice and support he received from Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko.

Key Takeaways:

• Transition and Guidance: Bayer, who joined AlphaTauri last summer, acknowledged the crucial role of Franz Tost in his initial period and highlighted the guidance and support from Red Bull's motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, and team principal, Christian Horner.
• Mentorship from Helmut Marko: Bayer shared an anecdote from the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Marko provided him with perspective during a challenging time, illustrating Marko's role not just as an advisor but also as a mentor.
• Future Prospects and Team Dynamics: Under new team principal Laurent Mekies, AlphaTauri aims to strengthen its ties with Red Bull, akin to the Haas-Ferrari relationship. This move is anticipated to enhance the team's competitiveness, especially after their eighth-place finish in the 2023 Constructors' standings.

Peter Bayer, the new chief executive of AlphaTauri, recently shared insights into his experience transitioning into F1 management, especially under the guidance of Red Bull's senior figures. Bayer, who took over after Franz Tost's exit, hailed Tost's influence and the support from Red Bull's hierarchy, particularly Helmut Marko and Christian Horner.

Bayer recounted a moment of mentorship from Marko at the Hungarian Grand Prix during an interview with RacingNews365. He explained: 

“It was a great year because Franz was by my side. Franz will always remain a friend. But it’s also clear that I talk to Helmut a lot. He has a wealth of knowledge.

“There was a situation when I was extremely angry and felt the pressure as overwhelming. You come and think you can make a contribution, which then fails. Helmut took me aside in Budapest and looked at a book about his Le Mans participation in the 1970s.

“There was a picture in it of how they drove 400 kilometres per hour on the straight. He looked at me and said, ‘You look stressed’, to which I responded: ‘I am.’

“Helmut pointed to the photo and said: ‘This is scary, take it easy.’"

Bayer went on to add that despite the hard exterior the public sees, Marko was "nice and very helpful" in that moment. He continued:

“Helmut may have the image of a difficult person, but at the right moment he can come to you, give you a pat on the shoulder and say: ‘It will be OK.’ That’s nice and very helpful.

“And operationally, the door is always open with Christian [Horner, Red Bull team principal], who supports us. We are privileged in that, so I enjoy it.”