While one driver eyes a move to the top seat in Formula 1, his teammate faces the prospect of departure.
Dr. Helmut Marko, the influential F1 consultant at Red Bull, praised Yuki Tsunoda’s exceptional performance in Melbourne, highlighting his flawless race amidst fierce competition from the top five teams.
Tsunoda’s eighth-place qualification, a significant feat, stood in stark contrast to his struggling teammate, Daniel Ricciardo, who lagged behind by ten positions.
Marko conceded that both Ricciardo and Sergio Perez, both aged 34, might be deemed too old to be future stars for Red Bull Racing.
Tsunoda, on the other hand, expressed his hope to be considered for such a role, emphasizing his determination to prove himself as a skilled driver capable of competing fiercely.
However, for Ricciardo, a former race winner, the trajectory seems less promising, with signs of his star waning rapidly.
Giedo van der Garde, a former F1 driver, suggested that the pressure might be overwhelming for Ricciardo, casting doubts on his ability to endure the season if his performance doesn’t improve.
Ricciardo himself acknowledged his inferior performance compared to Tsunoda, admitting the substantial gap between them.
This setback raises doubts about Ricciardo’s prospects, including his potential return to Red Bull Racing as Max Verstappen’s teammate.
Former F1 driver David Brabham questioned Ricciardo’s ability to compete with Verstappen if he struggles against Tsunoda within the same team, predicting a shift in confidence away from Ricciardo within the Red Bull camp.
When asked about his future, Ricciardo affirmed his commitment to Formula 1, indicating that he would only consider other championships as a spectator for now, reiterating his determination to remain in the top tier of motorsport.
