Daniel Ricciardo will set the BENCHMARK for Yuki Tsunoda at AlphaTauri, claims Helmut Marko

Helmut Marko praised Daniel Ricciardo for his impressive performance at the Silverstone Pirelli test.

Daniel Ricciardo will set the BENCHMARK for Yuki Tsunoda at AlphaTauri, claims Helmut Marko

Helmut Marko (image via Daily Express), Daniel Ricciardo (Daily Express), Yuki Tsunoda (image via Sports Illustrated)

Daniel Ricciardo has replaced Nyck de Vries at Alpha Tauri. The Australian driver will be racing for the Faenza-based team at the Hungarian GP next weekend. Ricciardo had started this season on the sidelines as the reserve driver for Red Bull. However, Red Bull consultant Dr. Helmut Marko revealed that Danny Ric will set the standard at the Red Bull sister team.

Marko clarified that Ricciardo will be tasked to establish the guideline at Alpha Tauri for teammate Yuki Tsunoda. Tsunoda has been racing for the Faenza-based team since 2021 and has drastically improved since his rookie season. Albeit, Helmut Marko believes that the Japanese driver would greatly benefit from having Daniel Ricciardo as his teammate.

YouTube video

The Red Bull consultant is quoted saying by F1 Insider.com, “Daniel will now be the benchmark for our Junior Yuki Tsunoda.” Tsunoda has scored two points this season and was way ahead of the outgoing Nyck de Vries. As such, Ricciardo pairing up with the Japanese driver could form the ideal pairing for AlphaTauri. The Italian team is struggling with arguably the slowest car on the grid.

FS Video

Discover: Who has led the most consecutive laps in F1?

Daniel Ricciardo achieved the targets at the Silverstone test for AlphaTauri seat

Daniel Ricciardo at Silverstone during the Pirelli tire test (image via Red Bull Racing)
Daniel Ricciardo at Silverstone during the Pirelli tire test (image via Red Bull Racing)

Dr. Helmut Marko revealed that Red Bull had given Ricciardo an ultimatum before the Pirelli tire test at Silverstone. The Australian driver was informed that he would bag de Vries’ seat straightaway if he showed his pace at the British circuit. Marko praised the 34-year-old for his impressive performance despite the pressure on his shoulders.

He said, “One more thing: Daniel knew before the tests at Silverstone that he would have the cockpit at AlphaTauri if he could perform. He more than survived the pressure situation.” Ricciardo showed immense pace at the tire test in the RB-19 and was met by a satisfied Red Bull leadership. Subsequently, the Australian was announced to race for the Faenza-based team.

Thus, Helmut Marko was confident that Daniel Ricciardo would act as the leader of the Red Bull sister team. The Australian driver brings enormous experience to Alpha Tauri and would provide valuable knowledge to Yuki Tsunoda. Fans will be looking forward to seeing the Honey Badger in the colors of the Faenza-based team when he hits the track in Hungary next weekend.

In case you missed it: