Markelov: Dr Marko ruins the careers of young drivers

Of late there is much speculation regarding the future of Toro Rosso driver Brendon Hartley with a queue of drivers, apparently, ready to step up to replace the underperforming New Zealander.

One driver asked if he would care to replace Hartley, should he get the axe, was Markelov who replied, "Would I agree to replace Hartley? If Renault ordered me to do so then it's possible, but if by my own choice, I would not drive for Toro Rosso. Knowing Dr Marko, knowing how he ruins the careers of young drivers, I don't need that."

"There are also rumours that Christian Horner could leave Red Bull who some say are looking to leave Formula 1 in the future. Sure, these are just rumours but I don't know what the future prospects of being at Toro Rosso and Red Bull are," added Markelov.

The 23-year-old currently drives for Russian Time in Formula 2, having finished second in last year's championship. Earlier this year, Markelov was confirmed as Renault development driver.

The Red Bull driver programme has produced the likes of Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz but, at the same time, the programme has left a wake littered with drivers who were discarded during the various stages of their junior careers, some of them very good too.

Over 60 drivers have been part of the Red Bull Junior Team since it was formed back in 2001, 13 of them making it to Formula 1 with either Toro Rosso and Red Bull.

Christian Klien became the first Red Bull Junior graduate to race in Formula 1 during the 2004 season, while in 2008, Sebastian Vettel became the first Red Bull Junior to win a Formula 1 race, when he won the Italian Grand Prix in a Toro Rosso - also the occasion of the energy drinks organisation's first victory as an entrant.