Marko no longer hides anything about Ricciardo and opens the door to Lawson

One thing is certain, with Helmut Marko there is no need to wait for official communication from Red Bull. The Austrian, used to showing himself in the press, seems to manage his in his own way, regardless of whether it concerns the energy drink or not. What interests him is talking without having someone control him.

This year the Doctor has shown it several times as when he spilled the beans for Yuki tsunoda and its extension, finally announced two days later last June. A formalization undoubtedly accelerated by the exit of Helmut Marko. This week, even if there was no real need to do so given what has been said and re-said recently, the Austrian advisor confirmed the maintenance within the parent company of Sergio Pérez, that the was said to be threatened despite a contract running until 2026.

Ricciardo 'did not meet the criteria' for Marko

Guest columnsESPN, Helmut Marko this time analyzed the situation of the little sister, RB, more closely. If Yuki Tsunoda is already assured of a seat next season, this is not the case for Daniel Ricciardo. A time to return to Red Bull, which he left at the end of 2018 for Renault, the Aussie appears today more than ever under the threat of non-renewal.

The manager has in fact recognized that the former Renault did not live up to the expectations placed on him after his return to F1 mid-season in 2023, almost permanently sidelining him from Red Bull. “ We put Daniel in the car and the idea was to bring him back to Red Bull Racing if he had been significantly faster than Yuki, explains the special consultant to ESPN. But he also had his ups and downs. So far, he has not met the criteria to be a Red Bull driver."

Words supported by another statement loaded with meaning, in which it seems to subtly slip that Liam Lawson could be brought in to replace him in 2025. “ It's a tough time for someone like Liam, he continues, echoing his role as a reservist which keeps him waiting on the sidelines. Especially since he got into the car in very, very difficult circumstances and he coped very well (when he compensates for Ricciardo's package in 2023). We think highly of him and he will have his chance. Wait a minute. In September you will have an answer. » Definitive this time to put all the speculation in the Red Bull fold?

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