Fri Sep 27 17:39:35 UTC 2024: ## Red Bull Advisor Claims Ricciardo Lost ‘Killer Instinct’ After Leaving Team

Red Bull Racing advisor Helmut Marko has blamed Daniel Ricciardo’s departure from the team in 2019 for a decline in the Australian driver’s performance. Marko claims that Ricciardo lost his “killer instinct” after leaving Red Bull for Renault, despite winning the 2021 Italian Grand Prix with McLaren.

Ricciardo’s return to Red Bull last season was short-lived, with the team confirming his departure for the remainder of the season, to be replaced by Liam Lawson. Marko has pointed the finger at Ricciardo’s decision to leave, stating that he was never the same driver after leaving the team’s main squad.

“I think the decision to leave Red Bull Racing was the turning point in his career,” Marko told Motorsport Total. He further suggested that Ricciardo’s confidence was shaken after failing to match Max Verstappen’s performance in equal machinery, choosing Renault over Red Bull due to perceived advantages in engine technology and a lucrative contract.

Marko has also confirmed his push to replace Ricciardo with Lawson, emphasizing his desire to transform Red Bull’s second team into a development ground for young talent. The young driver, who joined the Red Bull Driver Academy in 2019, has six events to showcase his abilities as the company assesses his future placement within the team, amidst uncertainty surrounding Sergio Perez’s contract.

Read More