Helmut Marko Takes a Dig at Departing Ricciardo

With Daniel Ricciardo joining Renault next season, Red Bull advisor, Helmut Marko could not resist taking a cheeky dig. He believes that it will be “hard” for Ricciardo to celebrate any Formula 1 victories with his traditional ‘Shoey’ celebration.

Earlier this month, Ricciardo announced that he would be leaving Red Bull at the end of the season. Instead, he made a shock switch to Renault for the 2019 season, partnering Nico Hulkenberg.

The F1 paddock was unsurprisingly stunned by the decision. This was because Ricciardo seemed to be primed for a new contract with Red Bull. But now, Pierre Gasly will take his place at the team from next season.

Dr. Marko revealed that he and owner Dietrich Mateschitz expected Ricciardo to sign a new contract.

“I cannot understand the change. That was a very strange story,” Marko said.

“The negotiations were difficult. On Wednesday before Austria, 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’ll sign on Tuesday at the test. He did not do that.

“On Thursday afternoon I got a call. He was funny in his voice. I told him: ‘Get to the point! We are adults.’ Then he said: ‘I’m going to Renault.'”

Marko felt that Ricciardo’s decision was backed by a lack of confidence in Red Bull’s decision to link up with Honda as a power unit supplier from 2019. Another reason was a lucrative contract offered by Renault. However, he doubted the Australian would be celebrating any race wins in the upcoming years.

“I can only assume that he does not believe in the Honda project and that Renault offered him a very high amount,” Marko said.

“But I think Shoeys will be hard for him in the near future.”