F1 News: Helmut Marko mounts PRESSURE on Daniel Ricciardo after tricky start

Marko arrives in Jeddah Corniche paddock — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

Marko mounts PRESSURE on Ricciardo after tricky start

Helmut Marko has not been very impressed with Daniel Ricciardo so far in 2024

Originally written by Shay Rogers. This version is a translation.

Thursday 14 March 2024 19:00

Helmut Marko is calling for more from Visa Cash App RB driver Daniel Ricciardo after a tricky start to the 2024 campaign.

The Australian driver has been outperformed by his much junior team-mate Yuki Tsunoda so far and needs to find his form.

If he wants to stake a true claim for a drive at Red Bull in 2025, then he must find an immediate improvement in performance, or risk losing his current drive in the future.

A clumsy spin at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix made him look amateur, but a 40-second pitstop was missed by the world broadcast which is exactly why he was in a bad position in the first place.

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His home race is next up, which should help energise the ‘Honey Badger’ who loves competing in Melbourne.

Helmut Marko expects more from Daniel Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo is under pressure to perform

Daniel Ricciardo drives his VCARB in Jeddah

Marko: Ricciardo has to come up with something

Writing in a column for Speedweek, Marko confirmed he has been impressed with Tsunoda’s speed, but expects more out of his experienced Aussie.

“At least Tsunoda is very good in qualifying. Then they are in the points in the first stint, only to fall further behind afterwards…

“Whether they are putting too much strain on the tyres or there are other reasons is what you need to find out.”

Visa Cash App RB appeared to show very strong pace at pre-season testing that hasn’t quite translated to race weekends so far this season.

If they can find a way to extract slightly more performance from their car, then they may have a chance at making a run at 6th place in the constructors’ standings – currently occupied by Haas who have a singular point.

Red Bull Daniel Ricciardo Yuki Tsunoda Helmut Marko Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Visa Cash App RB