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 be aware that he needs to perform better in Formula 1.

Ricciardo, who endured a disappointing showing in Saudi Arabia, where he was outqualified by teammate Yuki Tsunoda once again, received sharp criticism from Red Bull’s motorsport advisor after the race.

In a column for Speedweek, Marko discussed the performances of both Red Bull Racing drivers, stating, “This season is very important for Yuki and Daniel. Yuki is delivering strongly in qualifying, while Ricciardo must show results soon.”

Ricciardo, who is familiar with Marko’s blunt assessments, acknowledged that he is well aware of his own need for improvement.

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

The Australian is self-critical and realizes he needs to step up his game. “The more I understand the sport, the more I know why I’m here, because I believe I can do it, and I belong here, and that’s the most important thing,” he said.

Daniel Ricciardo, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team

Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

“Do I have anything to prove, or do I need to please anyone? I’m here for myself. Honestly, that’s it, because I know I can still do 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 fight is so intense, like in Bahrain quali, I knew I didn’t put in the lap I should have, and that’s on me.”

“That’s the difference between P14 and Q3. I think at the end of Q1 in Saudi, the gap from P9 to P16 was less than a tenth. So, you can easily go up and down. That’s why every tenth counts. Obviously, that’s what I’m focusing on.”

Ricciardo hopes strong performances this season will keep him in contention for a Red Bull seat in the future, but his start to the year has been challenging. He, however, said he isn’t dwelling on 2025, with his focus firmly on delivering better results for RB.

“Yes, it would be nice to finish my career there, it would be full circle,” he said. “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 completely, and obviously, a year ago, I wasn’t sure I’d come back, so that long-term thinking doesn’t suit me anymore.”

“So for now, my focus is fully on my team, on the RB. We’ve got a tough task ahead. I’ll give it my all, try to be competitive, and then we’ll see how it unfolds.”

Translation/Chloe