Last Updated on September 27 2024, 4:14 pm
Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 exit; what’s next for the Australian? Marko has another role in mind for Ricciardo at Red Bull – In a surprising turn of events, Daniel Ricciardo has been released from his contract with the Visa Cash App Red Bull (VCARB) Formula One team with immediate effect. The news marks a significant change in the Australian’s career, but it may not be the end of his relationship with the Red Bull organisation.
According to Red Bull’s trusted advisor Helmut Marko, there may still be a future for Ricciardo within the wider Red Bull family, albeit in a different capacity.
The veteran driver, known for his signature smile and flamboyant driving style, has not had the easiest of seasons in Formula One. With rumours of his possible retirement from competitive racing swirling for months, Ricciardo took to Instagram to confirm his farewell from F1, drawing the curtain on a career that has seen him win eight Grands Prix in 297 starts.
But while Ricciardo may be stepping away from the cockpit, his journey with Red Bull could be far from over.
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A quiet end to Ricciardo’s driving career
Ricciardo’s departure from VCARB is a bittersweet moment for many fans and pundits alike. Despite being a fan favourite and one of the most charismatic figures in the sport, Ricciardo’s recent on-track form has been a shadow of his former self. His on-track struggles and the increasingly competitive landscape of Formula One have made it difficult for the Australian to replicate the success he enjoyed earlier in his career.
His release from VCARB will come as little surprise to those who have followed his progress over the past few seasons. Although his F1 performances have waned, Ricciardo’s contributions to the sport, particularly during his earlier years with Red Bull Racing and Renault, have left a lasting legacy.
For many, his natural talent, coupled with his affable personality, made him one of the sport’s most popular figures.
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Helmut Marko’s vision for Ricciardo’s future
Ricciardo may no longer be behind the wheel, but Red Bull’s Helmut Marko sees the Australian playing an important role in the team’s future. Marko, Red Bull’s outspoken advisor, has hinted that Ricciardo could take on an ambassadorial role within the Red Bull organisation, a position that would capitalise on his popularity and extensive fan base, particularly in the United States.
“We are interested,” Marko revealed in an interview with Motorsport-Total.
“Daniel is one of the most popular F1 drivers, especially in the United States. I can hardly imagine him moving to another category. I don’t think so.”
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Marko’s confidence in Ricciardo’s continued association with Red Bull stems from the driver’s enduring appeal. His magnetic personality, coupled with his extensive experience in F1, makes him an ideal candidate for a public-facing role that could further enhance Red Bull’s image on a global scale.
Marko also highlighted that Ricciardo’s next steps could be influenced by his current financial stability, noting that “Ricciardo has a lot of money in his bank account.”
The Red Bull consultant admitted that Ricciardo’s decision to take on a non-driving role within the team would depend on his personal aspirations and lifestyle choices going forward.
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An uncertain future outside of racing
Although Marko believes Ricciardo may not be interested in another category of racing, the question remains as to whether Ricciardo is ready to move into a public relations and ambassadorial role. For a driver who has spent over a decade competing at the highest level of motorsport, stepping away from racing into a more corporate role could be a significant adjustment.
Marko himself expressed some doubts, adding: “It is questionable whether he would like the PR activities when he is no longer actively racing himself.”
Ricciardo’s future, according to Marko, is likely to depend on how the Australian envisages his life after Formula One. Whether he chooses to continue in the sport in some other capacity, or step away from the limelight altogether, remains to be seen.
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A legacy beyond the track
Regardless of the exact nature of his next steps, Ricciardo’s impact on Formula One is undeniable. He has left a lasting mark on the sport, not only through his race wins and daring overtakes, but also through his infectious personality that has resonated with fans around the world.
As Ricciardo bids farewell to his driving career, fans will be watching closely to see how his relationship with Red Bull and the sport evolves. Whether as an ambassador or in some other capacity, Ricciardo’s presence in F1 is likely to be felt for years to come. As Helmut Marko suggests, the Australian driver is at a crossroads, with important decisions to be made about how he will shape his future, both professionally and personally.
For now, the world waits to see what path the popular Perth native will take as he embarks on the next chapter of his life beyond Formula One.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
