The confessions of Juan Pablo Montoya add another layer of absurdity to the narrative surrounding Helmut Marko. The Colombian driver recounted a bizarre episode from his career involving the former Red Bull advisor, showing how Marko’s approach to driver psychology has often been controversial.
Recently, the internet buzzed with an interview of current Cadillac driver Sergio Perez on Cracks Podcast, in which he opened up about one of the many difficult moments he faced during his years at Red Bull. He specifically referred to a “recommendation” from Helmut Marko to visit a psychologist to improve his on-track performance.
Montoya, however, had a similarly unusual experience years earlier. Back in 1997, when he raced for Helmut Marko’s Austrian team, RSM Marko, the Colombian was encouraged by Helmut Marko to seek some sort of professional help. The story sheds light on the idiosyncratic methods Marko has used when dealing with drivers.
As some might say, the wolf loses its hair but not its habits. Helmut Marko is well-known for his eccentric remarks, which have often sparked both amusement and debate during pre- and post-race interviews. Speaking on the Colombian podcast MontoyAS, Montoya revealed that the only person who ever suggested he see a specialist during his career was none other than Helmut Marko himself.
Montoya recalls Helmut Marko’s advice
“It was the time I raced for his team, but he didn’t send me to a psychologist. He sent me to an energy healer because he said my speed and my stupidity couldn’t possibly coexist. Honestly, I remember it clearly and even how much it cost. At the time, I lived in an apartment provided by his team, and they funded my season, so when he told me to go, I went,” Juan Pablo Montoya explained.
“I went once, maybe twice. But nothing came of it. They had all these gadgets, even a wand with a golden tip that was used to read energies,” Juan Pablo Montoya continued, recounting an experience that seems almost surreal.
“I spent about $100 back then, and I didn’t have a penny. I couldn’t even afford a car, so I took the bus—or sometimes didn’t take it at all. I used roller skates to save money and usually traveled to races with the team,” he added.
Talent over esoteric methods
In the end, Montoya didn’t need energy healing; he simply needed an environment that trusted in his natural talent rather than attempting to “fix” him with unconventional methods. His successful career in both Formula 1 and IndyCar proved that the speed Helmut Marko once deemed incompatible with Juan Pablo Montoya’s personality was actually his greatest strength.
This story, along with Sergio Perez’s recent comments, highlights the unusual yet memorable way Helmut Marko has influenced driver psychology over the years—a blend of strict mentorship, unconventional advice, and a penchant for dramatic interventions.
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