Red Bull’s Helmut Marko has said the team is interested in retaining Daniel Ricciardo in some role following his exit from F1.
On Thursday, Ricciardo was officially replaced by reserve driver Liam Lawson at Red Bull’s satellite RB team.
Lawson will partner Yuki Tsunoda from October’s Austin round as Red Bull considers options for its main team’s long-term driver line-up.
This could mark the end of Ricciardo’s 14-year F1 career and also end his relationship with Red Bull, which began in 2007 when he was brought in as a junior driver by the energy drinks giant. Maybe.
But speaking exclusively to motorsport.com/Autosport’s German sister website Motorsport Total, Red Bull advisor Marko said the team was “interested” in keeping the popular Australian on their books in some way. “There is,” he said.
“We have had discussions and it is clear that we are interested,” the Austrian said. “He’s one of the most popular F1 drivers, especially in the United States.
“But he wants time to think about his future as a whole. I don’t think he will compete in any other racing category. And on the other hand, if he doesn’t race actively anymore, Even if they don’t, do they still want this kind of PR?”
“Ricardo also has a lot of money in the bank, so you could say it’s a life decision for him how he shapes his future life.”
Daniel Ricciardo, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team, at Parc Fermé after the race
Photo credit: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
Ricciardo could move into some kind of ambassador role, but the 35-year-old is already open to returning to the reserve driver role he took up at the start of 2023, or competing for a lower-ranking driver position. It shows reluctance. end team.
As for the possibility of him becoming a reserve player again, he said, “No.” “Obviously last year it made a lot of sense to keep one foot in the door and the whole picture was to try to get back to Red Bull.
“If I were to do it again… I wouldn’t start my career over again. I’m also 35 years old, and yet I’ve shown my pace all these years and it’s clear that that’s the limit. It was even harder for me to show that every weekend.
“It was definitely easier when I was 25 than it was when I was 35, but maybe there’s just more competition.
“Once upon a time, I’m glad I did it and it was so much fun. And I want to leave this sport with good memories of it and not in a place where it ends up being just a pain. I don’t want to be.” It’s obviously not fun to be eliminated in Q1 every weekend. ”
Also read:
Source link