Marko receives criticism from sister team: ‘That’s why Ricciardo’s place is justified’. In a move that has surprised many in the motorsport community, both Red Bull Racing and its sister team, Visa Cash App RB, have decided to stick with their current drivers after the summer break.

The decision comes despite widespread rumours that Daniel Ricciardo would be replaced by the younger Liam Lawson. However, the team’s management, and in particular the CEO of Visa Cash App RB, have expressed their desire to retain the existing driver duo for the foreseeable future.

 

 

The Ricciardo proposal

Going into July, Daniel Ricciardo’s proposition was as simple as it was bizarre: get Sergio Pérez sacked or get sacked. Pérez’s dreadful form had forced serious discussions within Red Bull management, with his decline so steep that the Constructors’ title was in jeopardy. The situation created a crucial opening for Ricciardo, who had been under pressure after an uncompetitive first quarter of the season.

Reserve driver Liam Lawson was desperate for a Formula One opportunity after his impressive five-race stint as a supersub last year. Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko had publicly backed the RB team to return to developing young drivers, having briefly considered creating a separate identity. The consensus in the paddock was for a scenario with two outcomes: Lawson would race for RB after the break, either at Ricciardo’s expense or to cover the Australian’s promotion to Red Bull Racing.

On Monday, however, there was no news. Pérez and Ricciardo were both staying put, while Lawson remained on the sidelines pending further decisions. The reasons for this 180-degree turnaround remain unclear, but it’s clear that Ricciardo’s improving form has contributed as much to the current stalemate as Pérez’s slump.

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Marko’s junior team philosophy

Helmut Marko, a key figure within the Red Bull Racing organisation, is known for his commitment to developing young talent. His stance has fuelled speculation over Ricciardo’s potential departure. With Marko often stressing the importance of nurturing young drivers, many expected a shift towards bringing in fresh talent such as Lawson.

However, while understanding Marko’s perspective, Peter Bayer, CEO of Visa Cash App RB, has a different view. Speaking to Motorsport-Total.com, Bayer acknowledged Marko’s logical point of view, given his responsibility for the junior team.

“Helmut argues in a logical way from his position,” said Bayer, noting that Marko has a significant influence on driver decisions.

 

 

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Bayer hits back on the RB line up

Despite his respect for Marko’s authority and knowledge, Bayer sees the situation differently. He points to Marko’s success in promoting junior drivers to the main team, citing world champions Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, both of whom started with Red Bull’s sister team. Despite this, Bayer believes Ricciardo has a rightful place in the junior team, offering a broader perspective on the team’s development.

“I see a broader picture for the team,” explained Bayer. He suggested that having an experienced driver like Ricciardo would be beneficial to the development of Yuki Tsunoda.

“In the long run, having an experienced teammate is not such a bad thing for Tsunoda. It is the famous big picture issue,” says the CEO.

“Yes, we need to develop young drivers”, he knows. But according to him, RB’s young driver is not yet ready for a move to Red Bull.

“Of course, you can explain it by saying that Yuki is not quite ready,” says Bayer.

 

 

 

Poor start puts Ricciardo on the ropes

Ricciardo was brought to RB as insurance for Pérez, who has struggled all season. Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner had seen signs that the pre-McLaren Ricciardo was still lurking inside the eight-time race winner after an extensive simulator programme early last year. Getting him back on the grid was seen as the final step in completing his reset.

His 2023 results were inconclusive given his lengthy injury absence, although his high in Mexico City confirmed management’s belief that seat time was all he needed.

However, his start to 2024 has been underwhelming to say the least. Yuki Tsunoda was his only point of reference, but although Tsunoda is consistently underestimated by Red Bull Racing management, he had no trouble keeping Ricciardo in his box in the early rounds.

 

 

 

Key stats: Rounds 1 to 8

– Qualifying result: 13.6 average
– Qualifying difference: 3.4 places behind Tsunoda
– Qualifying head-to-head: 1-8 for Tsunoda
– Time difference: 0.182 seconds behind Tsunoda
– Race result: 13.5 average
– Race difference: 2.5 places behind Tsunoda
– Race head-to-head: 1-5 in front of Tsunoda
– Points: 14 points behind Tsunoda (outscored 3.80:1)

RB started the year slowly but grew into a midfield team. Tsunoda’s near-perfect execution made him a regular scorer, averaging almost two points per race until the Monaco Grand Prix. There were glimpses that Ricciardo was getting to grips with the car during this long period of inactivity, but inevitably consistency eluded him.

 

 

 

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Ricciardo’s influence on Tsunoda

Tsunoda himself has spoken of the benefits of having Ricciardo as a teammate. The young driver has reportedly learned a lot from Ricciardo, particularly in areas such as technical feedback and emotional control.

“He learns a lot from Daniel when it comes to technical feedback,” said Bayer, adding that Tsunoda has also improved his emotional control, an area where he previously struggled.

Bayer stressed that the benefits go beyond these areas.

“He is learning how to structure and plan a weekend,” Bayer continued, underlining the extensive learning Tsunoda is undergoing with Ricciardo’s guidance. This mentorship is crucial as the team works to develop Tsunoda into a more polished and well-rounded driver.

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Improving form and future prospects

Ricciardo’s improving form, starting with his performance in Canada, has been crucial. The Canadian Grand Prix marked a significant turnaround, with Ricciardo qualifying fifth and scoring his first Sunday points of the season.

This improvement followed a period of introspection and adjustment in his approach to race weekends, focusing on energy management and accountability.

 

 

Key stats: Rounds 9 to 14

– Qualifying result: 11.8 average
– Qualifying difference: 1.5 places ahead of Tsunoda
– Qualifying head-to-head: 4-2 Ricciardo
– Time gap: 0.100 seconds down on Tsunoda
– Race result: 11.2 average
– Race differential: 2.5 places ahead of Tsunoda
– Race head-to-head: 4-2 Ricciardo
– Points: 4 points ahead of Tsunoda (outscored 2.33:1)

Ricciardo’s form has coincided with Pérez’s ongoing struggles, making him a viable option for the main team. The improved consistency and performance has made Ricciardo “impossible to ignore”, according to RB principal Laurent Mekies. A sentiment echoed by Peter Bayer, who acknowledged Ricciardo’s significant contribution to the team’s momentum and Tsunoda’s development.

 

 

The value of experience

Bayer’s assessment of Ricciardo’s role goes beyond the on-track results. He highlighted the wider impact Ricciardo has had on the team’s culture and development.

“He’s certainly helped us tremendously,” said Bayer at the end of June.

“If you look back to last year when he joined the team, he brought a whole new energy and spirit to the team.”

That invigorating presence has been vital in maintaining team morale and pushing the boundaries of what the team can achieve.

Furthermore, Ricciardo’s influence on Tsunoda cannot be overstated. Tsunoda has publicly acknowledged the mentorship he has received from Ricciardo, crediting him with improvements in both the technical and mental aspects of racing. This mentorship is seen as invaluable to Tsunoda’s development, making a strong case for Ricciardo’s continued presence in the team.

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The strategic importance

The decision to retain Ricciardo also ties in with Red Bull Racing’s wider strategic objectives. The team is keen to maintain a strong performance in the Constructors’ Championship, and Ricciardo’s recent upturn in form plays a crucial role in this.

“We also need to do well as a team,” he said, stressing the strategic importance of a good finish. This sentiment echoes the expectations of shareholders, who want both Red Bull teams to perform at a high level.

Bayer’s broader perspective and recognition of Ricciardo’s contribution underlines the complexity of managing a top-flight motorsport team. It is not only about nurturing young talent, but also about ensuring that the team remains competitive and continues to meet its strategic objectives. Ricciardo’s experience and recent performance improvements make him a valuable asset in this regard.

Despite the speculation and differing views within the Red Bull Racing organisation, the decision to retain Ricciardo and Tsunoda is seen as a strategic move to balance immediate team performance with long-term driver development.

Bayer’s broader perspective and appreciation of Ricciardo’s contribution underlines the complexities involved in managing a top-flight motorsport team. As the season progresses, the effectiveness of this decision will undoubtedly be scrutinised, but for now the current driver duo continue to have the support of the team’s management.

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