Helmut Marko explains why the ‘prodigal son’ Daniel Ricciardo failed to make a Red Bull comeback
Helmut Marko has always been a keen supporter of Daniel Ricciardo through thick and thin.
Helmut Marko and Daniel Ricciardo (images via IMAGO0
Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo has departed Visa Cash App RB after one and a half seasons with the team. Red Bull Technical Advisor Helmut Marko has since talked of the reasons following Ricciardo’s departure.
Daniel Ricciardo raced for Red Bull during the initial stints of his career. The Australian made his mark as a talented driver, with the Milton-Keynes based team amassing seven wins and 29 podiums during his tenure. He left the team in 2018 but has forever been longing to make a return to his previous squad.
Helmut Marko has therefore laid out the reasons behind Ricciardo’s failure in notching a return to Red Bull. Marko claimed that the 35-year-old was unable to perform significantly better than his RB teammate Yuki Tsunoda this season.
He was informed, and the worthy farewell performance was, I think, the fastest lap. That still showed what potential he has, not continuously and not at the level that would have justified him coming to Red Bull Racing, but that was an impeccable performance. I think it was clearly communicated that he has to be significantly better than Yuki Tsunoda and he only managed that in a few races, so it was clear that this story of the prodigal son rejoining Red Bull Racing unfortunately didn’t work out.
Helmut Marko via PlanetF1
Ricciardo has thanked all of his team members, bidding a peaceful farewell to a sport that he dearly loves. He will now look to explore around in finding a new adventure that will keep him invested for years to come.
Helmut Marko issues warning for Red Bull post Singapore GP
Red Bull finished P2 at the Marina Bay circuit but was miles of the pace as compared to their rivals McLaren. The Woking-based team has been the fastest amongst the top teams, winning the Singapore GP with a lead of 20 seconds.
Our deficit is alarming. We urgently need performance. Thank God we now have four weeks to work on it. There should be a lot to come.
Helmut Marko told OE24
Marko has raised concerns with the Milton-Keynes based team’s rapid decline in comparison to their competitors. Red Bull has lost the lead of the constructors’ championship to McLaren since Azerbaijan.
The 81-year-old has urged his team to find instant solutions to unlock pace during the month-long break before the US Grand Prix. The race at Austin will be a stern test to Red Bull’s hopes as they seek to match McLaren and Ferrari.
Yashraj Chowdhury
(406 Articles Published)