Fernando Alonso academy recruit linked with huge move to Red Bull

Sam Cooper
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin and Max Verstappen, Red Bull, celebrate. Miami, May 2023.

Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin and Max Verstappen, Red Bull, celebrate on the podium. Miami, May 2023.

A driver signed up to Fernando Alonso’s management company is on the radar of Red Bull according to Helmut Marko.

As well as winning titles, one of the aspects that Red Bull are most known for is their driver academy with the likes of Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo having all graduated from it – and it seems another name is potentially going to join them.

Pepe Martí is a highly-rated young prospect currently competing in Formula 3 for Campos Racing and he certainly has the right people leading him with the young Spaniard also part of Alonso’s management company, A14 Management.

A14 Management, named after Alonso’s initial and race number, signed Martí in September 2022, the same year he moved up to Formula 3.

The 17-year-old is enjoying an excellent season having won the opening sprint race in Bahrain and secured his first feature race win last weekend in Barcelona under the watchful eye of Alonso but also others it appears.

Martí was pictured chatting with Red Bull’s Marko who oversees their junior driver programme and the latter was later questioned as to whether Martí was a driver Red Bull were interested in.

Asked by Mundo Deportivo, Marko responded with a “yes” before praising the rapid improvement of Martí.

“He is very good. He has done very well,” Marko said.

“I have been following him for a long time, not only today. I’ve been watching him since he jumped into F3. His improvement is significant.”

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Alonso established his management company in March 2022 and it appears he does more than just give his name to it. Martí said Alonso will often join simulator sessions when his busy schedule allows.

“When we can, we organise a session for three riders or more and Fernando, when available, joins the sessions,” Martí said. “I really appreciate him joining because of the short time he has.

“Last time he joined for half an hour because he had a meeting afterwards and wanted to come back when it was over. I really appreciate that he wants to dedicate those moments to us growing drivers.

“In those sessions, when Fernando goes out on the track, he shares the screen and we all look at him.”