SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA – JUNE 28: 16th-placed Daniel Ricciardo from Australia and Visa Cash App RB walk in the Pitlane during Sprint Qualifying before the Austrian Formula 1 Grand Prix at Red Bull Ring on June 28, 2024 in Spielberg, Austria. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
Red Bull’s long-time manager, Helmut Marko, revealed to Austrian news outlet Kleine Zeitung that the company’s shareholders have expressed their desire for the team to focus on developing young talents. Marko specifically mentioned Liam Lawson as a potential candidate for the junior team.
This news quickly spread and became one of the main topics in the Formula 1 paddock area. During the team bosses’ press conference at the Red Bull Ring, Christian Horner and Peter Bayer were inevitably questioned about the future of the 34-year-old Australian driver. This comes after his disappointing performance upon returning to Formula 1 with Red Bull’s junior team.
Daniel Ricciardo found himself in the background compared to Yuki Tsunoda, struggling with rookie mistakes, lack of speed, and inconsistency. Despite being an eight-time Grand Prix winner, Ricciardo’s form is far from impressive. He will make his 250th start in Formula 1 at the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday.
Red Bull’s attempt to salvage Ricciardo’s career by replacing Sergio Perez was not successful. Unusually, Red Bull seems hesitant to end Ricciardo’s journey in Formula 1. Historically, they have been ruthless with underperforming drivers, as seen with Daniil Kvyat, Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly, and Nyck de Vries.
These pilots were treated inadequately and quickly replaced, which contrasts with the favoritism shown towards Ricciardo. Marko insists that Red Bull’s headquarters wants the team to serve as a junior team, developing pilots for the main team. This has been the plan since the transformation of Scuderia Toro Rosso from Minardi in 2006.
However, Peter Bayer and Laurent Mekies, who applied to co-manage the team, had different aspirations. They were determined to turn the junior team into an independent entity. Unfortunately, it seems that this plan has been postponed.
After Marko’s announcement that a young pilot needs to be introduced soon, Bayer and Horner faced questions from the media. Horner, the head of the Red Bull team, commented on Ricciardo’s situation, acknowledging that the pilot saw this opportunity as a chance of a lifetime. He mentioned Ricciardo’s impressive test in Silverstone last year and expressed hope that Ricciardo would make the most of this chance. Despite a challenging start to the season, Horner noted that Ricciardo has shown glimpses of his former self, especially in Miami and Montreal.
Horner expressed his thoughts about a driver who is not part of his team, stating that there is always pressure in Formula 1, especially within Red Bull, where all drivers face constant pressure for their seats. However, Horner revealed that Daniel is well aware of this pressure. Horner fought hard to bring Ricciardo back to VCARB, even if it meant sacrificing De Vries’ opportunity in Formula 1. Ricciardo, who had already found success with the World Champions, brought a new energy and spirit to the team when he joined last year. He has been incredibly helpful in supporting Yuki, who stated that he continues to learn from Daniel. Driver development is a priority for the team and its shareholders. It is worth noting that Tsunoda, like Ricciardo, has also been credited with teaching the young Japanese driver, and he also showed emotions when Gasly left. At 24 years old, Tsunoda is always learning from more experienced drivers.
Bayer expressed that Formula 1 is primarily focused on performance, as mentioned by Christian. The junior program provides us with some options, but we are not in a hurry to make a decision about next year’s lineup. Confirming Yuki was crucial for us.
Currently, our main focus is on the car and having a calm discussion during the summer break. This implies that Ricciardo will continue driving for us until then, at least.
Horner took the opportunity to state that all discussions about drivers will be handled internally before being shared with the media. All Red Bull racing drivers are aware of the pressure and scrutiny that comes with being part of the team.
Daniel is currently in the driver’s seat and it is up to him to make the most of it. As we all know, Formula 1 is an ever-changing environment and anything can happen.
Bayer added that Liam is an integral part of the team, acting as our test driver and working in the simulator. He will also participate in the TPC, as many of you are aware. We are committed to developing young drivers.
However, the decision regarding the second seat will be made calmly and without haste. This contradicts the suggestion made by Marko and dismisses the wild rumors that Ricciardo would be replaced after the Austrian GP, which marked his 250th start in Formula 1.
While Liam Lawson patiently watches from the sidelines, he must wonder when he will have the opportunity to showcase his skills after his impressive debut for the team, which practically guaranteed his future in Formula 1. Meanwhile, Ricciardo continues to be favored by Red Bull Racing. (Reported by Agnes Carlier at the Red Bull Ring)
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Portugal wins Euro 2024 with an exciting victory over Germany
The Portuguese national football team made history by winning Euro 2024 in a thrilling final against Germany. With an impressive performance, the Portuguese players showed their determination and grit to win the tournament.
The game started with Germany dominating possession, but Portugal quickly showed their defensive strength and managed to balance the match. In the 30th minute of the first half, Cristiano Ronaldo scored the first goal of the game, sending Portuguese fans into a frenzy.
In the second half, Germany pressed for an equalizer, but Portugal remained firm in defense. In the 75th minute, Bernardo Silva extended Portugal’s lead, leaving the Germans even more desperate.
The match remained intense until the final whistle, with Germany trying in every way to score a goal. However, the Portuguese defense proved impenetrable, securing a 2-0 victory and the unprecedented Eurocup title for Portugal.
After the game, Cristiano Ronaldo, who was one of the highlights of the competition, expressed his happiness with the victory. “I am very proud to be part of this incredible team. We worked hard and deserve this title. It is a historic moment for our country,” said the superstar.
Portugal’s victory in the Euro 2024 is a milestone for the country’s football and will certainly be celebrated by Portuguese fans. The team showed quality and determination throughout the tournament, winning the hearts of fans and proving to be a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
