The recent statements made by Helmut Marko about Liam Lawson and Daniel Ricciardo once again shifted the focus to Ricciardo’s future in Formula 1. Ricciardo, who is currently the only Red Bull driver without a confirmed contract for 2025, is relying on his performance to secure his place alongside Yuki Tsunoda next year. Marko’s statements about the need for a young driver like Lawson to be in the team raised questions about Ricciardo’s position and whether he is doing enough to secure his place.
Before the Austrian Grand Prix, Marko emphasized that the Red Bull junior team needs young drivers, and the opportunity for Ricciardo to move up to Red Bull Racing was taken by Sergio Perez. Marko specifically mentioned Liam Lawson as a potential candidate for the seat. While Marko’s support for Lawson is not new, his comments once again put Ricciardo in the spotlight.
When asked about Marko’s comments, Ricciardo admitted that he was not aware of them before arriving at the race. He emphasized that performance is the most important factor in the sport and that his chances of staying in Formula 1 depend on his results on the track. Ricciardo acknowledged the opportunity he currently has and mentioned that the first half of the season will be crucial in determining his future. He expressed his determination to perform well and support his cause.
Ricciardo also acknowledged that occasional good races are not enough and that he wants to avoid inconsistent performances. He mentioned the support he has received from Christian Horner and Laurent Mekies, but acknowledged that he is the one in the car and needs to strive harder. Ricciardo understands that if he consistently does not perform well, his position will be at risk.
Comparisons can be made between Ricciardo’s situation and Nyck de Vries’, whom he replaced last year. Both drivers faced pressure to keep their seats after being outperformed by their teammates. However, Ricciardo’s higher peaks, including a fourth place finish in the Miami sprint race and a close qualifying to pole position in Montreal, give him an advantage. Additionally, Ricciardo has a better car at his disposal than De Vries had. A test in a Red Bull at Silverstone was crucial in Ricciardo’s comeback last year, and now Lawson is about to test a 2022 AlphaTauri in Imola. While Ricciardo believes the test has been planned for some time, he acknowledges that he can only control what he can and needs to focus on his own performance.
Ricciardo’s recent performances have shown promise, and he hopes to build on them to secure his place. He wants to end his Formula 1 career within the Red Bull family and has no interest in exploring other options. Ricciardo appreciates the support and occasional challenges from Helmut Marko, as he believes it motivates him to perform at his best.
The original plan for Ricciardo’s return to Red Bull was to do well and eventually become Max Verstappen’s teammate. However, as Marko’s comments suggest, that plan seems unlikely. Ricciardo’s recent performances have been mixed, with ups and downs. He hopes that his strong showings in Montreal and Spain are the beginning of a consistent streak of results that can secure his place and potentially revive the original plan.
Although Perez has a new two-year contract, his current difficulties and the fierce competition at the front of the grid could put his position at risk. The contract has performance clauses and will be regularly reviewed, which means Perez must constantly prove himself. If Ricciardo continues to improve and Perez’s performance worsens, Ricciardo’s return to the main team could become a possibility. Red Bull could then promote Lawson alongside Tsunoda, with Perez potentially being replaced.
However, this scenario remains unlikely, and Ricciardo is aware that his future is in his own hands. With four races in five weekends, the situation can change quickly. Ricciardo knows that Red Bull can be ruthless in their decisions, and it is up to him to ensure that he does not give them reasons to dismiss him.
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Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen achieved an impressive victory in the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday. Verstappen, from the Red Bull Racing team, surpassed his opponents and crossed the finish line in first place, securing the top position on the podium.
The race was thrilling from the start, with several overtakes and moments of high tension. Verstappen showcased his skill and determination by overtaking his competitors and taking the lead. His victory is a significant milestone in his career and solidifies his position as one of the best Formula 1 drivers.
The Mercedes team also had a good performance, with Lewis Hamilton finishing in second place. Hamilton, one of the biggest names in Formula 1, showcased his skill and experience in fighting for the podium. His performance is a testament to his dedication and talent.
Another highlight of the race was Sergio Perez, from the Red Bull Racing team, who finished in third place. Perez showed his skill in overtaking and his ability to handle pressure. His solid performance contributed to the success of the Red Bull Racing team in this Grand Prix.
However, not everyone had a good performance. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc had to abandon the race due to mechanical problems. Leclerc was showing a great performance before the setback, and his withdrawal was a disappointment for the team and the fans.
Overall, the Italian Grand Prix was an exciting race full of twists and turns. Verstappen, Hamilton, and Perez showcased their talent and skill, providing an incredible spectacle for Formula 1 fans. The next race promises to be equally thrilling, and we can’t wait to see what the drivers have in store for us.
