Earlier in the week, Helmut Marko made some very blunt comments about VCARB and their future line-up. The Red Bull advisor stated plainly – “It is a junior team, and we have to act accordingly.” Of course, this nod to Liam Lawson does not mean he will jump into the VCARB 01 this weekend. However, Marko’s words obviously put pressure on Daniel Ricciardo.
It is no secret that Helmut Marko’s influence at Red Bull has diminished. The power struggle between the 81-year-old and Christian Horner, previously kept under the surface, is now clear for the public to see.
They disagree in various areas, including driver selection. The consensus is that Christian Horner is happy to have Ricciardo in the Faenza-based team, while Marko would prefer to give Liam Lawson an opportunity.
In the event of a disagreement – given how Red Bull’s power struggle earlier this year played out – Horner is understood to have gained more influence. As a result, it is unclear how far Marko’s words will actually reflect in Red Bull’s driver decisions.
For example, other key figures, including Laurent Mekies and Peter Bayer, have consistently advocated for the 8-time race winner.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – JUNE 22: 18th placed qualifier Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Visa Cash App RB talks to the media in the Paddock during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 22, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202406220290 // Usage for editorial use only //
Ricciardo responds to Marko’s comments
Speaking to the media in Austria, Daniel Ricciardo spoke candidly about Marko’s comments:
“I don’t feel one way or another about it. I still know that the overriding thing in this sport is performance. That’s it,” The Race quotes him as saying.
“And that’s what will give me my best chance of staying here, I know that. It’s not going to be my smile or anything else. It’s the on-track stuff.
“I’ve obviously got a good opportunity – I say until the summer break. I don’t think that’s a deadline, but that’s where you look at for the first half of the season.
“I’ll try to do what I can and help my cause.”
Of course, Liam Lawson is a valuable driver in the market. The 22-year-old will not stand idly by and watch his chances of racing in Formula 1 slip through his fingers.
If Red Bull cannot offer him a seat, the Kiwi will look elsewhere. The reigning Champions are undoubtedly aware of the interest elsewhere in the paddock for Lawson’s services.
As a result, some have interpreted Helmut Marko’s comments as an effort to prevent Lawson from considering options outside Red Bull – rather than indicating Ricciardo’s position is under threat.
In any case, Red Bull has a big decision to make. With Yuki Tsunoda already contracted for 2025, one of these drivers will lose out.
The rounds heading up to the summer break should provide more clarity on VCARB’s future driver lineup.
