- Red Bull team advisor wants more from Daniel Ricciardo
- Follows poor results from Australia in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia
- The Australian F1 Grand Prix will be held on March 24 at 3pm
Red Bull supremo Helmut Marko has bluntly stated that fan favorite Daniel Ricciardo is ‘too slow’ for the Australian F1 Grand Prix on Sunday.
It comes after the Perth-born driver made a bad start to the season with Visa Cash App RB, and was also outscored by his teammate Yuki Tsunoda.
Ricciardo then did himself no favors after setting the 18th fastest time during third practice at Albert Park on Saturday, ahead of qualifying from 4pm AEDT.
With questionable results in Bahrain (13th) and Saudi Arabia (16th), Ricciardo needs a big result in Melbourne.
‘There is a lot at stake for Tsunoda and Ricciardo. Both may hope for a (future) seat at Red Bull, and one should be well ahead of the other,” Marko told motorsport.com.
Red Bull supremo Helmut Marko has bluntly said fan favorite Daniel Ricciardo is ‘too slow’ for Sunday’s Australian F1 Grand Prix
It comes after the Perth-born driver made a poor start to the season with Visa Cash App RB
With questionable results in Bahrain (13th) and Saudi Arabia (16th), Ricciardo needs a big result in Melbourne to silence the doubters
‘So yes, (I would say at this stage), Ricciardo is a bit behind (from where he should be).
‘Let’s put it this way: Tsunoda’s qualifying speed is okay. But in the race they are both too slow.’
Marko added that Sergio Perez is keeping world champion teammate Max Verstappen honest with two second places this season.
Ricciardo is convinced that his focus is on one race at a time and has not allowed himself to think about a return to Red Bull alongside his great friend Verstappen.
“I enjoy being back with the Red Bull family because I enjoy that little bit extra, whatever it is from Helmut, where it’s: ‘I know he’ll always be on my ass’,” said Ricciardo . Fox sports.
‘That’s how he is. That’s fine. I’m completely okay with that. The only pressure is what I put on myself.’
Qualifying for Sunday’s race starts at 4pm on Saturday AEDT.