RB F1 faces a pivotal choice between Ricciardo and Lawson, as team CEO Bayer moderates Dr. Marko’s remarks.
Peter Bayer, CEO of Red Bull’s second Formula 1 team, RB, stated that no decision has been made regarding whether Daniel Ricciardo will stay on for 2025.
The team has already confirmed Yuki Tsunoda, creating a dilemma: to give Liam Lawson his full-time F1 debut next year, or potentially lose him to a competitor.
Red Bull F1 advisor Dr. Helmut Marko said this week he was under pressure to oust Ricciardo, who is not proving his worth.
“The shareholders have made it clear this is a junior team, and we need to act accordingly. We need to place a young driver there soon. It will be Liam Lawson.”
Asked about Marko’s seemingly definitive response, Ricciardo insisted he had “no pressure, no ultimatum, but of course, when you look at the performances, it’s up to the summer break.”
“I’ve been in the sport a long time, so I know if I get my butt kicked every weekend, at some point, someone will say ‘Hey buddy, step up, or else…’. But that hasn’t happened yet.”
Bayer endorsed Marko’s statement that RB F1 is repositioning as a junior team but asserts that the driver issue for 2025 is not officially decided.
“The owners have indeed stated it, but I don’t necessarily want to talk about a junior team in the sense everyone understands, with an obligation to only have young drivers.”
“Our job is to train young drivers, but we also have the task of succeeding on a sporting and commercial level, and that cannot be achieved with young drivers alone. That’s why we believe the mix of a young driver and an experienced driver is perfect.”
But that doesn’t mean Ricciardo is safe, admits Bayer.
“We have extended Yuki’s contract long-term, which makes me extremely happy. We now have to make another decision for 2025.”
“It’s a luxury to have Liam Lawson as a reserve and simulator driver. At the same time, we want to give Daniel time to prove himself, then we will make a decision. Helmut has certainly put pressure with his statements. But we’re not in a rush.”
When?
“Probably at the summer break.”
Bayer Tempers Marko’s Words on RB F1 Future. Bayer Tempers Marko’s Words on RB F1 Future
Bayer Tempers Marko’s Words on RB F1 Future. Bayer Tempers Marko’s Words on RB F1 Future
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