Helmut Marko Stands With Yuki Tsunoda Despite ‘Immature’ Conflict With Daniel Ricciardo at Bahrain GP

Visa Cash App Red Bull team had an eventful race but to no end at the season kick-off at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The two drivers had a spat on track that has possibly cost the team some points. Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda ended up at P13 and P14 respectively, with questions around the circuit as to who was right in the given situation.

Ricciardo and Tsunoda were pushing for points but with the Australian driver having newer soft tires on, was given the call to pass his teammate. However, the call was given on time, but the reaction came a lap later. While it is debatable as to who was at fault here, Helmut Marko had his reservations.

Helmut Marko’s say on the VCARB situation

The Racing Bulls have been fighting to get some points in as 2023 was not a great season for them. The Red Bull B team finished 8th in the constructor’s championship and had many driver changes during the season. While Yuki Tsunoda came in at P14, Ricciardo finished P17 in the Drivers’ Championship. In an attempt to redeem himself and get back to Red Bull, Ricciardo is pushing himself from the start of the season.

But according to Helmut Marko, has stated that the conflict could have been avoided. As reported by LWOS, the Red Bull director told OE24, “The drama could have been avoided.” Taking the side of the Japanese driver Marko said, “I spoke to Yuki afterwards. With the right strategy, he could have finished 10th.” The friction between the two drivers was apparent as Daniel Ricciardo went on a rant about what went down on the track.

Read More: Yuki Tsunoda Claims Daniel Ricciardo Is “Not Fast at All” Amid Fight for Sergio Perez’s Seat

After the race, Ricciardo was asked about what happened and replied, “I don’t know. A bit of immaturity (from Yuki). I am being sensible right now, but let’s say immaturity. I think, obviously, he is frustrated by the team orders.” Although so far there has been no statement of resolve, it looks like things will be settled on track in Jeddah.

How will VCARB push harder at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix?

The newly branded team comes with a brand new car name. The VCARB 01 is the freshest name on the track, although almost no one is a fan of it. VCARB 01 is about to be worked on with data from the Bahrain Grand Prix to improve its performance. Having the championship-winning Red Bull as a sister team has many benefits and the team is not shy about using it. They have showcased a similar car to the RB19, but it has failed to impress anyone in round 1.

The RB19 helped Max Verstappen absolutely dominate the grid last year, but looking at round 1, VCARB is missing its magic. Although the new car comes with a similar aero-dynamic look to the RB19, it’s not replicating anything close to its performance. One area that the team will be working on is the side pods of the car, with constant upgrades being implemented throughout the season. But will this be enough for the team to score enough points by the end of the season to attack the mid-field? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.