If F1 drivers were plotted on a 10-point scale of happiness, Daniel Ricciardo would be on 11. But Nyck de Vries would be on -1. Such is how Red Bull’s top management operates. It is usually a case of all or nothing. And unfortunately for de Vries, he is out of F1 even before the summer break begins. But the Red Bull Taskmaster that is usually responsible for all such decisions feels Yuki Tsunoda will benefit greatly in Ricciardo’s presence.

When de Vries signed with Red Bull‘s sister team, he knew what he was in for. But he might not have expected to be given such an underperforming car which would get him 0 points in 10 races. And his younger, but more experienced teammate, Tsunoda has only gotten 2 points. So, why did Red Bull chuck a rookie only 10 races into the season? Well, that’s just them. But his replacement has way more experience and that should greatly help the team.

AlphaTauri is the worst team on the grid right now in terms of performance. And Ricciardo has been signed at a crucial junction for the team. They were in desperate need of an experienced driver and the Honey Badger presented himself at the right time. And with his race-winning experience, Tsunoda is expected to learn a lot from him, believes Marko. “Daniel will become the reference point for our young Yuki Tsunoda,” said Marko, as quoted by Formulapassion.

Read More: “Nyck Deserved a Goodbye”: Fans Call Out Red Bull’s Unjust Treatment to de Vries After Daniel Ricciardo Receives Thunderous Welcome

Marko is usually known for being an Authoritarian. And on most accounts, he is. But to the people he is not, get a lot of appreciation from him.

Helmut Marko is Satisfied With Daniel Ricciardo’s Test In the Red Bull

Red Bull is not a team that is easy when selecting the top talent. The drivers go through rigorous testing before their names can appear under the RB banner. For Ricciardo, it was a bit easier, considering his vast experience. But, he did test the RB19 at Silverstone, and per Helmut Marko, he did a good job convincing him for the 2nd AlphaTauri seat.

Marko said, “Daniel knew even before the Silverstone test that he would have the cockpit of the AlphaTauri if he performed well. And the test largely passed it, despite the pressure.” Apparently, Ricciardo’s testing times were good enough for a front row at the British GP.

If that is what he can extract from the Red Bull despite a 6-month partial absence from F1, he could at least get some points for AlphaTauri. And Marko and Christian Horner would expect him to do so.

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