Ricciardo doesn’t need Marko’s criticism to know he must step up

Daniel Ricciardo says he doesn’t require Helmut Marko’s criticism to realize he needs to perform better in Formula 1.

Ricciardo, following a disappointing showing in Saudi Arabia where he was once again outqualified by teammate Yuki Tsunoda, received sharp comments from Red Bull’s motorsport consultant.

In a column for Speedweek, Marko assessed the performance of both Red Bull Racing drivers, stating, “This season is very important for both Yuki and Daniel. Yuki has been very strong in qualifying, while Ricciardo needs to deliver results soon.”

Ricciardo, aware of Marko’s blunt assessments, said he is also well aware that he needs to up his game.

When asked if Marko’s comments ahead of his home race annoyed him, Ricciardo replied, “No, it doesn’t bother me. I think that’s always been a big part of the job. The biggest part is the driving, but a big part is the communication with you guys and listening. When things are going well, everyone speaks positively, and when they’re not, it’s less so. That’s just part of it.”

The Australian acknowledged that he is his own harshest critic and knows he needs to improve. “The more I understand this sport, the more I realize why I’m here, because I believe I can do it, and I belong here, and that’s what matters most,” he said.

Daniel Ricciardo, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team

Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

“People ask if there’s anything to prove or who I need to please? I’m here for myself. Honestly, that’s it, because I know I’ve still got it. I do want to make people proud, those who support me proud.”

He added, “Of course, I want to be in Q3, I want to achieve what I believe I can. But it’s very tight. The midfield battle is intense, like in Bahrain quali, I knew I didn’t get the lap time I should have, and that’s on me.”

“That’s the difference from P14 to Q3. I think at the end of Q1 in Saudi, the gap from P9 to P16 was less than 0.1 seconds. So, you can easily go up or down. That’s why every hundredth counts. Obviously, that’s obviously my main concern.”

Ricciardo hopes strong performances this season will put him in contention for a Red Bull seat in the future, but his start to the year has been challenging. However, he said he isn’t thinking about 2025 and is instead focused on delivering for the team.

“Yes, it would be nice to finish my career there, full circle,” he commented. “I’d certainly be happy. But right now, I’m just taking each weekend seriously. There was a time when I almost walked away from the sport entirely, and obviously, a year ago, I wasn’t sure I’d come back, so that kind of long-term thinking doesn’t suit me anymore.”

“So now, my focus is fully on my team, on the RB. We have a tough task. I’ll give it everything I have, try to compete, and then we’ll see how it unfolds.”

Translation/Chloe