Daniel Ricciardo Labeled “Too Slow” by Helmut Marko as He Makes Firm Public Statement on Yuki Tsunoda

AlphaTauri, now Visa Cash App RB, had a super unstable season in terms of drivers last year. First, the young Dutchman Nyck De Vries was kicked out and replaced by the feisty Daniel Ricciardo, who was then replaced because of an injury by Liam Lawson. Ricciardo was given the junior Red Bull seat to see his potential and whether the Australian had what it took to make it back to the No.1 team. And now he has been labeled too slow by Helmut Marko. But what exactly did he say?

Daniel Ricciardo’s career went downhill ever since he left Red Bull for Renault. His stint with McLaren seemed to have finished the racer inside him but was rejuvenated when Red Bull signed him as a reserve. In a Pirelli test with Red Bull, after an eye-catching performance, he was put in the AlphaTauri seat. Alas, the favorite Australian hasn’t been able to impress as everyone expected him to. 

And now, as the Red Bull taskmaster commented on the Visa Cash App RB drivers’ Red Bull future, he called both Yuki Tsunada and Daniel Ricciardo too slow in the races. According to formel1.de Helmut Marko, said, “Both may be hoping for a place at Red Bull Racing and one should be clearly ahead of the other. So far, the Japanese have had the upper hand within the team and is certified by Marko above all a decent qualifying speed. But in the race, both are too slow. I think one point would have been possible in the first two races.”

Both Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda have to show the Red Bull management that they are strong contenders for the Red Bull seat. Sergio Perez’s Red Bull contract ends this year and the second Red Bull seat will be up for grabs. Also, with speculations around Max Verstappen’s move, a second seat might also become available. 

Read More: Christian Horner Breaks Silence on Power Struggle With Helmut Marko

Liam Lawson impressed in the limited time he had in the AlphaTauri and with youngsters like Oliver Bearman climbing up, both Visa Cash App RB drivers need to pull up their socks. Let’s see what their performances have been like in 2024 so far. 

Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda’s 2024 Season

Many including Zak Brown were concerned when AlphaTauri announced that they’ll be taking as many parts from Red Bull as they possibly can under the regulations. There was fear of a second Red Bull or a Red Bull copy. When the Visa Cash App RB 2024 car was launched, it did seem to have taken huge inspiration from the RB20. Many assumed that the car would be much faster compared to its predecessor. 

However, the Visa Cash App RB was left with a midfield car at best. Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda finished the race in Bahrain in P13 and P14 respectively. In Saudi Arabia, the pair finished P16 and P14. Another disappointing result for the team. The Practice sessions in Australia don’t bring any hope either as both drivers seem to be toward the back of the pecking order.

What do you think? Will Daniel Ricciardo be able to channel his older self and put forward a strong case for himself?  

Read More: Christian Horner Finally Breaks Silence After Red Bull Investigation Result