Marko delivers KEY Ricciardo update as RB future hangs in the balance

A Red Bull boss has provided their verdict on Daniel Ricciardo’s future after a mixed performance at the Miami Grand Prix.

The weekend started off strong for Ricciardo, finishing P4 in the sprint race, the best result for the driver and RB team so far this season.

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However, his fortunes drastically changed only hours later, when he failed to get out of Q1 in qualifying.

Ricciardo started the Miami Grand Prix last, carrying over a penalty from the Chinese Grand Prix, with P15 being the best result he could achieve.

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His teammate Yuki Tsunoda, however, enjoyed another strong finish, claiming 7th and a decent haul of points.

This reflects the narrative of RB’s 2024 season, with Tsunoda consistently making Q3 appearances or achieving points finishes.

Ricciardo has demonstrated a lack of pace compared to his teammate, whilst also being involved in race ending collisions.

He exited during lap one of the Japanese Grand Prix following an incident with Alexander Albon, and had a similarly dramatic exchange with Lance Stroll in China.

Altogether this has spearheaded the rumour that Ricciardo will lose his race seat, and be replaced by Liam Lawson.

However, in his column for Speedweek Helmut Marko revealed his plans for Daniel Ricciardo’s and an assessment of the Australian’s performances.

“He [Ricciardo] delivered a remarkable performance in the sprint. The fact that he came fourth was sensational,” the Red Bull advisor wrote.

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“You can lose a lot of time in the third sector, and that is exactly what happened to Ricciardo during race qualifying.

“He was eliminated in Q1 and did not get going again in the race. Yuki [Tsunoda] consistently set fast times, while Ricciardo lacked the speed and confidence that we saw on Saturday.”

“The gossip that Ricciardo is being replaced is nonsense. Nothing is planned at all.”

Marko does not however rule out that Ricciardo may be replaced.

“We will of course look at this in the future,” he concluded.

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