‘Give Him a Cuddle’: Daniel Ricciardo’s Advice to Sergio Perez on Possibly Dealing With Red Bull’s Marko

Sergio Perez could potentially make his move to Red Bull Racing next season. Amid the talks, former Red Bull driver, Daniel Ricciardo, has given some advice to the Mexican on how to handle Dr. Helmut Marko, the team’s advisor, who has always been vocal with his opinions and criticisms.

Well, it wasn’t really serious advice from Ricciardo. Instead, the ‘Honey Badger’ opined that the possible upcoming Red Bull driver should try giving the Austrian some “cuddles” and see how he reacts to it.

During the Abu Dhabi press conference, the interviewer asked Ricciardo to provide any advice for Perez or Nico Hulkenberg to deal with Helmut. “Yeah, I advise, I don’t know. I think just, yeah, give him a cuddle,” he jokingly replied. “See how he goes with a cuddle.”

Marko has always mentioned the fact that he considers Ricciardo a good friend. Apparently, the two bet each other prior to each F1 season, and it was Marko, who won the bet in 2019. The Australian even added that the two were supposed to bet this season. Unfortunately, they decided against it in the end.

Daniel Ricciardo advises future Red Bull driver to take Helmut’s criticisms as a ‘compliment’

The Renault driver backed Marko and felt that he always criticizes his drivers to get the best out of them. He reckoned that if Helmut slams his driver, then it is a sign that he actually believes in him.

“I think he’s really saying these things as a way to get the best out of you,” he said. “He says it because he cares and believes in you.”

“So, in a way, I think, if he’s willing to give you that criticism, then take it as a compliment.”

Ricciardo also mentioned the fact that with Marko, one will get “100% transparency and honesty“. Hence, the driver will definitely receive comments from the Austrian if he fails to shine in that car.

As of now, it is looking like Racing Point’s Perez might be needing that advice, as his chances of securing the Red Bull seat look more probable, following an impeccable drive to victory at Sakhir GP last weekend.

However, who do you think will be taking over that Red Bull seat? Perez or Hulkenberg?