Daniel Ricciardo shares awkward moment with ‘pretty p**d’ Helmut Marko before F1 debut
Daniel Ricciardo recalled a moment when he made Helmut Marko mad after being unable to actively participate in F1 testing ahead of debut.
Follow Us
Daniel Ricciardo and Helmut Marko (via IMAGO)
Daniel Ricciardo joined the Formula 1 grid in 2011 with Hispania Racing and quickly learned the sport’s ropes. The Aussie was promoted to Toro Rosso (currently RB) and ultimately Red Bull by the 2014 season. Ricciardo’s performance wasn’t always satisfactory as he recalled a time when he ‘pissed off’ Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko before his debut.
Daniel Ricciardo suffered from a broken wrist in 2010, a few months before his debut at the pinnacle of motorsport. Due to this, Ricciardo was unable to participate in the testing session conducted by Red Bull which agitated Helmut Marko. The Aussie recalled how the 81-year-old forced him to attend and try his best to drive, following which the 35-year-old couldn’t drive and had to sit out of the session.
I went to the test, knowing that I was not going to be able to drive. He’s like, You’re flying to that test and you’re going to try and drive. So I did one lap, and I was like, impossible. So I called him, I’m like, Helmut, I tried and I can’t. I’m sorry, I just can’t, I’m going to miss this test.
Daniel Ricciardo via the Red Flags Podcast
After witnessing Ricciardo’s failure to participate in the test, Helmut Marko was expectedly upset. The former noted the incident to be similar to when parents get disappointed in their kids and not mad at them. The Aussie recalled that Marko was ‘pretty pissed’ following the disappointing start to his career in Formula 1.
It was along the lines of when your parents are like, I’m not mad, I’m disappointed. So he said that part, and then the phone call ended. And I was like, Oh man. Yeah, that one hurt. He was pretty p***ed.
Daniel Ricciardo added
Guenther Steiner revealed reason behind Haas not acquiring Daniel Ricciardo
Daniel Ricciardo’s exit from Red Bull in the 2018 season made multiple teams eager to poach the Aussie. Ricciardo had quite a few options, and even possibly Haas. However, Guenther Steiner revealed that he never saw the ‘spark’ in Ricciardo’s eyes to provide him a seat in the American constructor.
I didn’t try to get him. I spoke with him but I was not sure that he was ready to go back racing. I couldn’t see the spark in his eyes.
Guenther Steiner told planetf1.com
Regardless of the failure in performing in Formula 1 and being ousted from RB mid-2024 season, Ricciardo still could have a future in the sport. The Aussie was recently considered for an ambassadorial role at the US GP. Additionally, even Christian Horner hinted at the possibility of the 35-year-old’s re-entry into Red Bull.
Stay Updated!
Aditya Pandya
(1484 Articles Published)