Helmut Marko suggests a possible promotion for Liam Lawson at the expense of Daniel Ricciardo.
- Ricciardo has struggled since his return to F1, managing only two points finishes.
- Lawson shone in Ricciardo’s absence but was initially overlooked for a full-time seat.
- Red Bull’s shareholders push for a return to their junior team roots.
Daniel Ricciardo’s future in Formula 1 appears uncertain as Red Bull’s Helmut Marko hints at a potential promotion for Liam Lawson. Marko revealed that a push from Red Bull’s shareholders might see Lawson stepping into a race seat soon.
Ricciardo has had a tough time since rejoining the circuit with Red Bull (formerly AlphaTauri) in 2023. He only managed to secure two points finishes in 17 appearances since his comeback at the Hungarian Grand Prix last year. A broken hand from a practice crash at Zandvoort further complicated his season, giving Lawson a chance to race in five events. Despite his impressive performance, including a stellar result in Singapore, Lawson was not promoted for the F1 2024 season as the team retained Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda.
A clause in Lawson’s contract allows him to leave Red Bull if he isn’t promoted by 2025. With the announcement at the Canadian Grand Prix that Tsunoda will continue with the team next season, Lawson’s chances hinge on Ricciardo’s future. Ricciardo, 34, hopes to return to Red Bull Racing, but that door closed with Sergio Perez securing a new two-year contract.
Marko, speaking to Austrian publication Kleine Zeitung, emphasized that Red Bull needs to focus on nurturing young talent, referencing the success they had with drivers like Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel. ‘The shareholders have made it clear that it is a junior team and we have to act accordingly,’ Marko said. ‘The goal was that [Ricciardo] would be considered for Red Bull Racing with exceptional performances. That seat now belongs to Sergio Perez, so that plan is no longer valid. We will have to put a young driver in there soon. That would be Liam Lawson.’
At the recent Canadian Grand Prix, Ricciardo remained optimistic about his future, saying he hasn’t given up on his dream of returning to Red Bull’s senior team. ‘I don’t think it means anything like “that’s it” in terms of [my prospects],’ Ricciardo said. ‘I don’t see it as: “Oh, maybe I won’t get a chance.” Personally, I’ve had one amazing result in Miami but the rest of my season has been not really what I expect out of myself. I want my season to go better than it is to really help with any opportunities like that. I’m also realistic.’ Ricciardo added that he holds himself accountable and aims to improve his performance. ‘I think the team is doing a good job to help me out with that, so it’s just up to me,’ he concluded.
The future looks uncertain for Ricciardo as Red Bull considers bringing in young talent like Liam Lawson.
