Ricciardo Responds to Marko’s Exit Hint Amid Lawson’s Rising Star: Focused on Performance, Not Plan B

Daniel Ricciardo responds to departure speculation as Liam Lawson emerges as a threat

Helmut Marko's suggestion elicited a candid response from Daniel Ricciardo

Questions have been raised towards Daniel Ricciardo regarding a striking remark by Helmut Marko, indicating that his Formula 1 career could be at risk.

Before the F1 Austrian Grand Prix, which is Red Bull's home race, Marko made a surprising statement indicating that Ricciardo’s time with RB might be coming to an end.

Marko shared with Kleine Zeitung regarding Ricciardo: "The objective was for him to be seen as a potential candidate for Red Bull Racing through outstanding achievements.

"The seat is currently occupied by Sergio Perez, rendering this strategy obsolete."

Marko mentioned regarding the RB F1 squad: "It's time to introduce a new, young talent. Liam Lawson is the one for that role."

In Austria, Ricciardo shared his thoughts, saying, “I’ve mastered the art of ignoring the noise. I was actually unaware of it until someone mentioned it upon my arrival here. You know… it’s… I don’t have strong feelings about it either way.

"I'm fully aware that the most important aspect in this sport is how well you perform, nothing else. That's what will primarily ensure my continued presence here, I'm certain of that."

"My grin or anything similar won't be the highlight. It will be the action on the track."

"Clearly, I have a favorable chance, and though I mention it in the context of the summer break, I don't view that as a strict deadline. However, it's a natural point to assess the season's first half."

Reflecting on the event in Barcelona, it's challenging to feel thrilled about finishing 15th. However, I genuinely felt pleased with my performance. Consequently, I consider this to mark a continuation of improvement, with now two consecutive weekends showing better results.

"This year, I've definitely struggled to maintain a series of successful outcomes. Clearly, having only two isn't sufficient, especially given my aspirations."

"Now there are two more opportunities ahead of me. I certainly have the potential to head into the summer break with a strong momentum."

"Regarding the Helmut situation, truly, it's all good. It won't alter my plans in any way."

Ricciardo's notable performance during a Red Bull test session last year convinced the team to promote him to a permanent position at AlphaTauri, replacing Nyck de Vries, who hadn't lived up to expectations.

Subsequently, Ricciardo sustained an injury, leading Lawson to step in and perform impressively as a substitute

This season, Ricciardo has failed to impress, and Lawson's impending trial run with a 2022 AlphaTauri at Imola seems foreboding.

When questioned about his concerns, Ricciardo confidently replied, "No, not at all. I understand this has been in the works for some time, but regardless, as you age, you learn to focus on what you can actually influence."

"If Liam manages to ace his test with a perfect score, that's great for him. It's out of my hands, and I certainly don't hold any ill will towards him, not in the slightest.

"I believe I'm currently holding the position, so it's up to me to manage everything within my power."

"If I really excel here, if I perform outstandingly at Silverstone, then I believe the story can shift. It's clear I must take responsibility and maximize my capabilities. Absolutely."

"Qualifying fifth in Montreal definitely brought a smile to Helmut's face. If I manage to pull that off a few more times, I'm convinced it will keep him smiling."

"The emphasis remains strongly on performance, and indeed, maintaining focus on that is key."

What's Daniel Ricciardo's alternative strategy to remain in Formula 1?

The experienced racer maintains he hasn't sought out a transfer to a competing squad.

"My response would be negative. It's not that I'm certain," he expressed. "It's not about being obstinate or haughty, but my focus isn't directed elsewhere.

"I've mentioned it before, I genuinely take pleasure in returning to the fold. Oddly enough, I sometimes find enjoyment in Helmut's occasional jabs, as I believe they can serve to ignite my motivation and push me to excel. To put it briefly, the answer is no."

Christian Horner, the principal of the Red Bull racing team, is said to have previously supported Ricciardo.

Ricciardo was inquired about whether Horner had hinted at the possibility of him being let go.

"I haven't received any news," he stated.

"No one has exerted any pressure or issued any ultimatums; nothing of the sort has occurred."

"However, I've been involved in the sport for a substantial period, and I'm well aware that if I consistently perform poorly, eventually, someone's going to tell me, 'listen, buddy, you need to improve your game, or else…' But, that hasn't happened to me yet."

"However, like I mentioned, I recognize that occasionally performing well in a race isn't sufficient, nor is it my desired position. I'm not interested in experiencing sporadic successes followed by numerous disappointments."

"I'm the person behind the wheel and I need to step on the accelerator a bit more."

Ricciardo's decision against seeking an alternative option in case he is let go by Red Bull might prove to be a misstep if other opportunities are taken and he finds himself without a team for the 2025 season.

However, he remains unfazed.

"No, no. It comes off as laid-back, but that's not my intention at all, given that it truly matters to me," he explained. "Yet, I'm uncertain."

"Perhaps I've reached a stage where it's simply a matter of letting things unfold as they will."

"I'm committed to giving my all in terms of effort and performance. If that's sufficient to earn me a spot, fantastic. If not, then I've made peace with the fact that I've done my utmost."

“I believe when it comes to this game of musical chairs, or whatever the name is, yes, my perspective is that if I start concentrating on that, then I’m… I have to devote my entire focus here. It’s as straightforward as that.”

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