Clear words

Marko warns: “He has to come up with something

Helmut Marko(Bild: GEPA pictures)

After two races, the Racing Bulls, Red Bull Racing's sister team, are lagging behind expectations. RB motorsport advisor Helmut Marko agrees and puts the onus on Daniel Ricciardo in particular: "He needs to come up with something soon."

"There is a lot at stake for both Yuki and Daniel this season," explains Marko in his column at Speedweek.com, looking back on the Saudi Arabian GP: "Yuki's qualifying performance was very good, and Ricciardo needs to come up with something soon."

Tsunoda started the race from ninth on the grid, while Ricciardo struggled more in 14th place. In the end, only 15th (Tsunoda) and 16th (Ricciardo) were the result. Far too little for Red Bull's standards.

Daniel Ricciardo (r.) and Yuki Tsunoda(Bild: 2024 Getty Images)

Marko: "They can't maintain the speed in the long term"
"At least Tsunoda is very good in qualifying, then they're at the front of the championship points in the first stint, only to fall further and further behind afterwards. They can't maintain their speed in the long run. Whether they are putting too much strain on the tires or there are other reasons: That's what we have to find out," said Marko.

Place next to Verstappen
Finally, the seat next to Max Verstappen could become vacant at the end of the season if Sergio Perez's contract is not extended when it expires. However, this would require better results from Ricciardo and Tsunoda. The next opportunity will be in Australia on March 24.