Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 career is likely reaching an epilogue, but Helmut Marko says Red Bull is interested in keeping the popular Australian involved in some way.
Red Bull announced on Thursday that Liam Lawson will replace Ricciardo as running back from next month’s US Grand Prix and for the remainder of the 2024 season.
The news saddened Australian fans, but was to be expected for the 35-year-old F1 veteran, who has struggled all year to pick up points and justify his place in the team ahead of 2025. Ta.
Although Ricciardo has come to the end of his racing career with Red Bull, Marko believes there is value in maintaining a working relationship with the eight-time Grand Prix winner, perhaps within the scope of Red Bull’s public relations efforts.
“We have had discussions and it is clear that we are interested,” Marko told German website Motorsport Total. “He’s one of the most popular F1 drivers, especially in the United States.
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“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.”
After last weekend’s heated outing in Singapore, Ricciardo said he would take time to reflect on both his future in motorsport and his life away from the track.
He also ruled out a return to a reserve position at Red Bull or any other team.
“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,” Ricciardo said.
“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 for me when I was 25 than it was when I was 35, but maybe there’s just more competition.”
Ricciardo is contemplating his future, but it remains to be seen whether he will take on an ambassador role at Red Bull or a non-driving position.
For now, the door remains open to continued collaboration, but the final decision remains in the hands of the ever-popular Australian.
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