Helmut Marko Reveals Key Turning Point in Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 Career Amid Departure from Red Bull

Helmut Marko discusses his theory on Daniel Ricciardo's career shift after the driver lost his "killer instinct." Marko has identified the pivotal moment in Ricciardo's journey in Formula 1.

Helmut Marko thinks Daniel Ricciardo’s exit from Red Bull in 2018 marked a crucial moment in his Formula 1 career.

On Thursday, RB announced that Ricciardo has been removed from their roster. Liam Lawson will take his place for the last six races of the season, a decision that probably marks the conclusion of the 35-year-old Australian's career in Formula 1.

Daniel Ricciardo, who has secured eight grand prix victories, was once regarded as a top contender in Formula 1. However, his latest showings with RB have been disappointing, continuing a trend of lackluster performances from his 2022 season with McLaren.

Red Bull's motorsport advisor Marko believes Ricciardo’s career began to falter after he left the team at the close of 2018 to accept a high-paying deal from Renault, and subsequently moved to McLaren.

Marko stated to Motorsport-Total.com that he believes the pivotal moment in his career was when he chose to depart from Red Bull Racing.

He lacked a competitive vehicle both at Renault and McLaren. Although he did secure a victory at Monza, it was under unique conditions.

"We're unsure of the specific details, but had we known, we would have offered our assistance."

“He used to be incredibly fast, especially with his late braking and sudden turns to the left or right. However, in recent years, he attempted these maneuvers but seemed to have lost his killer instinct.”

Commenting on Ricciardo's choice to part ways with Red Bull, Marko mentioned, "He had some doubts regarding the Honda engine and it seems he was more persuaded by the appealing promises from Renault and Cyril Abiteboul."

"Monetarily, the proposal from Renault was quite similar to ours. Additionally, I mentioned to him that doing 'Shoeys' would be challenging. Renault hasn't been on the podium frequently."

"He joined our team, securing three wins against Vettel with none in 2014. Although Daniil Kvyat occasionally outpaced him afterward, he managed to maintain control throughout the season."

"Max's arrival and his increasing strength were definitely key factors in his choice to go with Renault instead of us."

In his last appearance at the Singapore Grand Prix, Ricciardo aimed to assist his former Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen in the championship race by clocking the fastest lap, thereby preventing Verstappen's key competitor, Lando Norris, from earning an additional point.

Marko mentioned that Red Bull had notified Ricciardo about their strategy and believed his quickest lap was a suitable send-off.

"The timing was influenced by several factors and commitments," Marko stated. "He was notified, and I believe the honorable farewell gesture was the quickest lap."

His performance demonstrated his potential, albeit not consistently and not to the extent that would have warranted a move to Red Bull Racing. Nonetheless, it was an outstanding display.

"It was made clear that he needed to outperform Yuki Tsunoda by a considerable margin, but he only succeeded in doing so in a handful of races. Consequently, the anticipated triumphant return to Red Bull Racing did not materialize."

He mentioned that he feels content and has accepted the circumstances. We will find out what his future plans are.

Learn More

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest F1 updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the paddock straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking News

Additional Updates

Site Index

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to fully or partially copy text, photos, or images in any manner.