F1 News: Helmut Marko Piles Pressure On VCARB - "Lot At Stake For Yuki And Daniel"
Visa Cash App RB's (VCARB/RB) underwhelming commencement of the F1 season has drawn criticism from Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko, who has set high expectations for the team's drivers. With zero points after the initial Grands Prix, the team's hopeful start based on pre-season performances has yet to materialise.
Key Takeaways:
- VCARB's start to the F1 season falls short, with no points on the board after two races.
- Increased scrutiny on Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo to improve their performance.
- Helmut Marko signals the importance of this season for the drivers' future within the Red Bull group.
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Entering the season with a sense of optimism after strong winter test showings by Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo, the VCARB F1 Team aspired to challenge the top contenders. However, the team's aspirations have been dampened, with no points secured in the first two races.
The struggle was particularly evident in Jeddah, where Tsunoda's bid for points was compromised by aggressive defence from Haas's Kevin Magnussen, highlighting the team's challenges. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has since voiced the necessity for both Tsunoda and Ricciardo to elevate their game, underlining the critical nature of this season for them.
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Marko's statement to Speedweek.com, as quoted by Motorsport, brings to light the high stakes for Tsunoda and Ricciardo:
“This season has a lot at stake for both Yuki [Tsunoda] and Daniel [Ricciardo]."
[Translated by Google]
The pressure on Tsunoda and Ricciardo is mounting, with Liam Lawson poised as a potential replacement. Their performance in Jeddah, with Tsunoda finishing fifteenth and Ricciardo sixteenth, did little to secure their positions. Marko's critique, especially towards Ricciardo, underscores the immediate need for improvement.
"Ricciardo has to show something quickly. There is work to be done.
"Yuki was good in qualifying, then fought for World Championship points in the first stint and then fell too far back. Both of them cannot maintain the speed long enough. It may be that they are asking too much of the tires, but it is possible also have another reason. That is something we have to find out."
[Translated by Google]