Daniel Ricciardo’s aspiration to rejoin Red Bull Racing takes a hit as the team asserts he hasn’t met their criteria.
- Ricciardo’s struggle to outperform Yuki Tsunoda was pivotal in Red Bull’s decision-making process.
- Despite Sergio Perez’s inconsistent performances, Red Bull remains committed to the Mexican driver for now.
- Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, stresses the importance of car stability, especially when paired with Max Verstappen.
- Red Bull’s future driver options include Ricciardo, Perez, and junior Liam Lawson, with Perez seemingly favored for 2025.
In a setback for Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, declared that the Australian driver hadn’t met the team’s standards for a return. ‘Daniel was put in the car and if he would have been significantly faster than Yuki there was an idea to bring him back to Red Bull Racing,’ Marko told ESPN. But a lack of consistent performance left Ricciardo without the opportunity he yearned for.
Yuki Tsunoda’s abilities were a significant benchmark, and thus far, Ricciardo has not demonstrated a substantial edge over the Japanese driver. This shortfall ultimately influenced the decision not to bring Ricciardo back to the team he had previously called home.
Despite Sergio Perez’s variable form, Red Bull is choosing to stick with him beyond the summer break. Marko emphasized that being Verstappen’s teammate is one of F1’s toughest roles due to Verstappen’s extraordinary skills. Stability is key, and Perez has shown merits, even in challenging circumstances.
Red Bull is focused on making their vehicles more driver-friendly to reduce the performance gap next to Verstappen. Marko shared that discussions are ongoing to improve the car’s drivability, a priority that aligns with Verstappen’s wishes.
As the team contemplates their 2025 configuration, Ricciardo remains in the conversation, along with Perez and Liam Lawson, a junior driver. However, Marko hinted at a preference for retaining Perez, citing his ability to win races and the hope that stability can enhance his future performances.
Ultimately, Daniel Ricciardo faces a challenging road ahead if he wishes to reclaim a spot with Red Bull Racing.
