Helmut Marko did not promise a Red Bull seat to Ricciardo
The Australian is making a comeback in Formula 1 with AlphaTauri with a dream in mind: to be in Red Bull in 2025. However, Helmut Marko has made no promises to Daniel Ricciardo. He will first have to prove himself in order to hope to join the championship-winning team.
It’s a risky comeback for Daniel Ricciardo. Struggling heavily at McLaren, which led to him being fired before the end of his contract, the Australian is returning to Formula 1 as a replacement for Nyck de Vries, who was fired from AlphaTauri by Helmut Marko.
Nevertheless, Daniel Ricciardo feels ready after this several-month break and has even hinted that his dream would be to drive for Red Bull again in 2025. However, for that to happen, he will have to show impressive performances at AlphaTauri, a different side than the one at McLaren, because Helmut Marko won’t give any gifts.
No promises from Helmut Marko
Helmut Marko is uncompromising and forgives nothing. Ricciardo does not have a secured spot at Red Bull, far from it. Even though the Austrian is open to a return of the Australian alongside Max Verstappen, it is up to Ricciardo to convince his superiors.
« Daniel will stay at AlphaTauri until the end of the year and then we will see how the development has gone. But we have made no promises. He knows that if he performs well, there will be an opportunity, » Helmut Marko said on a possible arrival of Ricciardo at Red Bull in 2025, or earlier.
Helmut Marko does not fail to remind us that this return to Formula 1 remains a danger for Ricciardo. If the Australian does not regain his former confidence, he could suffer and leave Formula 1 permanently. This is a big risk for Daniel, but he wanted to do it. It’s a pleasant surprise and I hope everything goes well, he declares.
The driver also knows that he does not have the right to make a mistake. It’s the ultimate comeback. « I have to show something, that’s for sure. But as for next year and the following years, there is no guarantee. That’s how it is in this sport, » he explained.
The end of the 2023 season for Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri will already be crucial for his future. Beating Yuki Tsunoda will be a requirement for the Australian and to continue dreaming of a return to Red Bull.
