Marko "can't understand" Ricciardo's Renault move
- Published on 21 Aug 2018 11:01
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko says he can't understand Daniel Ricciardo's decision to leave the energy drink team for Renault. The Australian revealed at the start of the summer break that he would be leaving the team he has raced for since 2014.
Ricciardo joined the Red Bull junior programme in 2008, making his F1 race debut for HRT in 2011. After two years at Toro Rosso, he was promoted to the senior team, where he has since taken seven wins and 29 podiums.
Before he signed with Renault, it was widely expected that he would be signing an extension with Red Bull. Marko revealed in an interview with Servus TV that a contract was agreed over the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, which he would sign during the in-season test at Hungary.
"I can't understand the change. That was a very strange story," Marko said. "The negotiations were difficult. On Wednesday before the Austrian GP, I sat together with him for two hours and we agreed. In Hungary, he said to both me and Mr Mateschitz that everything fits and he would sign on Tuesday at the test. He did not do that. On Thursday afternoon I got a call, his voice sounded so funny. I told him: 'get to the point! We're adults'. Then he said: 'I'm going to Renault'."
Next year, Red Bull will be switching to Honda power, ending its partnership with Renault. Marko says that he thinks Ricciardo doesn't believe in the Honda project but is certain that Red Bull will be ahead of Renault in 2019.
"I can only assume that he does not believe in the Honda project and that Renault offered him a very high amount [of money]. But I think 'shoeys' will be hard for him in the near future."
However, Marko conceded that it is a shame to lose the 29-year-old: "It is a pity too. He is certainly one of the strongest drivers in the race. His overtaking manoeuvres were just great. The opponents have sometimes not even noticed that they are being overtaken."
Fergal Walsh
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Replies (4)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I understand it very well. Its unfortunate, but understandable.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I think Red Bull blew it. Plain and simple. It's impossible to know what happened, but I get the sense that Ricciardo, a bonafide super star, was struggling to get the kind of recognition (including $$$) at the team that benefited the most from his talent. Verstappen is a super star, but he's in the making. He hasn't performed like Ricciardo has for the last few years. He hasn't contributed to RB like Daniel. Yet, he got the big paycheck and Ricciardo's contract seem to continue to be negotiated.
Renault on the other hand were probably eager to have him, and maybe offered him some extra money. Renault is also a works team committed to long term success. Tough sale, but kudos to them for stealing Daniel.
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
RIC was given some great opportunities by RB. But, its time to respect his decision. Helmut IMO blew it on 2 in-house drivers in 2 weeks, and cribbing about it.
130R
Posts: 5
The fact the Marko can't understand is probably part of the reason why Ric would leave.