Daniel Ricciardo has joked that he ‘enjoys’ the ‘pokes’ from Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko after he suggested that the experienced Aussie’s plan to replace Sergio Perez is ‘invalid’ and suggested replacing him with Liam Lawson.
2024 has been a difficult year so far for Ricciardo, who has scored points at just two out of the opening 10 events leaving him with less than half of team-mate Yuki Tsunoda’s 19-point haul.
Ahead of the season opener, however, the expectations were very different. Ricciardo was expected to lead the VCARB team and make a case to replace Perez at Red Bull. After his new contract was announced earlier this year, the Aussie’s future now looks far more complicated.
Ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, Marko told Kleine Zeitung: “The goal was that he would be considered for Red Bull Racing with exceptional performances. This seat now belongs to Sergio Perez, so this plan is invalid.”
He then added: “You’ll have to put a young driver in there soon. That would be Liam Lawson,” marking a clear warning to Ricciardo, who is now fighting for his F1 career.
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