Red Bull bringing in Daniel Ricciardo as a third driver was seen as a threat to Sergio Perez‘s place. Team adviser Helmut Marko has come out to give all the rumors a rest, providing assurance to Perez. Fans, however, are in no mood to take Marko’s word for it and believe the Ricciardo move is to make Checo comply with the team’s dynamic.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Daniel Ricciardo‘s stint with McLaren did not go as per plan. In each of those two years, the Honey Badger was beaten on points by his young teammate Lando Norris. After eventually growing tired, Ricciardo decided to take a year off from regular action and gather his thoughts. Taking the third driver’s role at his old team Red Bull was a step in that direction.
Helmut Marko gives assurance to Sergio Perez
Sergio Perez has always been the ultimate team player for Red Bull and Max Verstappen. His heroics in the 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi are still fresh in fans’ memory. His gritty drive was crucial in helping Max with his first world championship. However, when it came to returning the favor in Brazil this year, the Dutchman backed out.
The incident caused a major rift between the two which Red Bull claimed was resolved. However, when they announced Daniel Ricciardo’s arrival, fans felt it was a pressure tactic for Perez. In an attempt to put an end to such rumors, while speaking with Servus TV, Helmut Marko said, “Sergio Perez has shown that he drives at a very high level and when Max [Verstappen] isn’t there then Sergio is there.” [Translated using Google]
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Mexico City Grand Prix – Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City, Mexico – October 29, 2022 Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko during practice REUTERS/Carlos Perez Gallardo
Speaking on Daniel’s role, Marko told he will only be required if and when a regular driver is unavailable. He continued, “It’s a certainty, but it’s not like we want to put pressure on Sergio.”
Here is how fans reacted to Helmut Marko’s statement.
One fan had a hilarious meme to express their distrust in the Red Bull adviser.
“It’s not like we want to put pressure on Sergio.” Is the funniest fucking wink quote.
⚠️ | Helmut Marko says Red Bull's deal with Ricciardo is unrelated to Perez: "Sergio Perez has shown that he drives at a very high level, and when Max isn't there, then Sergio is there. "It's not like we want to put pressure on Sergio." [motorsport-magazin.com]
This is the opposite of reassuring
⚠️ | Helmut Marko says Red Bull's deal with Ricciardo is unrelated to Perez: "Sergio Perez has shown that he drives at a very high level, and when Max isn't there, then Sergio is there. "It's not like we want to put pressure on Sergio." [motorsport-magazin.com]
One user recalled the famous hashtag trend that ran on Twitter during Red Bull’s cost cap saga.
There was one fan who believed if Red Bull were ever going to get rid of Checo, it would be Yuki Tsunoda who would replace him and not Daniel Ricciardo.
If anyone is getting that RB seat after Checo, it’s Yuki
⚠️ | Helmut Marko says Red Bull's deal with Ricciardo is unrelated to Perez: "Sergio Perez has shown that he drives at a very high level, and when Max isn't there, then Sergio is there. "It's not like we want to put pressure on Sergio." [motorsport-magazin.com]
whatever you say 😭😭
⚠️ | Helmut Marko says Red Bull's deal with Ricciardo is unrelated to Perez: "Sergio Perez has shown that he drives at a very high level, and when Max isn't there, then Sergio is there. "It's not like we want to put pressure on Sergio." [motorsport-magazin.com]
Yeah, sure 😂
⚠️ | Helmut Marko says Red Bull's deal with Ricciardo is unrelated to Perez: "Sergio Perez has shown that he drives at a very high level, and when Max isn't there, then Sergio is there. "It's not like we want to put pressure on Sergio." [motorsport-magazin.com]
No one believes anything Marko says at this point lol
Watch This Story: How a Euphoric Sergio Perez Hilariously Leaked His Red Bull Contract Announcement at Monaco
In other words there is pressure on Sergio and they Want Daniel back in the car
Do you think Helmut Marko’s reassurance is trustworthy or have Red Bull got something cooking behind the scenes?