When it comes to getting a message across, Helmut Marko is quickly becoming an expert. Fully involved in the structuring of the Red Bull fold and in particular in the choice of drivers, both from the parent team and from the little sister – now RB – the Austrian often tends to be sharp.
And in recent times, the Doctor has not hesitated to step up to the plate, particularly with Daniel Ricciardo, whose start to the season was far from initial expectations. After only two Grands Prix, Helmut Marko warned the Aussie who he asked to “ quickly find solutions. » A little over three months later, has the situation changed?
Ricciardo under threat, Lawson waits for his moment
There has been improvement. The former Renault man has managed to increase his level and get closer to his teammate Yuki Tsunoda but is far from being unanimous. Meanwhile, at Red Bull we are carefully exploring avenues to potentially replace him while the main foundation of the little sister remains the training of young drivers. At almost 35 years old, Daniel Ricciardo no longer really fits into this box.
To take over, Liam Lawson then seems to be the ideal candidate. Former member of the Junior Team and reservist for both teams, the New Zealander has shown himself more and more recently, especially since he temporarily replaced Danny Ric’ in 2023 and took on the mission perfectly. His entourage, and the person himself, did not hesitate to use the press to send a few messages, indicating, among other things, that he was ready to go to the front.
At 22, the Hastings native ticks a lot of boxes, including youth, one of the house’s credos. And hearing Helmut Marko’s latest statements, everything suggests that the Kiwi is well on his way to succeeding his Australian neighbour in 2025. Enough to put pressure on Daniel Ricciardo, whose initial ambition was to find Max Verstappen as a teammate next year and not Yuki Tsunoda?
« Shareholders (by Red Bull) made it clear that this was a youth team and we had to act accordinglyMarko told the Austrian daily Kleine Zeitung. The aim was for Ricciardo to be considered for a return to Red Bull thanks to outstanding performances. This place now belongs to Sergio Perez, so this plan is no longer relevant. We will soon have to call on a young pilot. It would then be Liam Lawson. » An exit to be taken with a grain of salt for the moment but when we remember that he spilled the beans about Yuki Tsunoda two days before his extension was made official, we say to ourselves that Liam Lawson could then soon be announced…
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