F1 | Red Bull, Marko ready to replace Ricciardo

La Red Bull may no longer count on Daniel Ricciardo starting in 2019. This is what he revealed Helmut Marko, great head of track operations of the Austrian giant. In fact, the Australian has become the protagonist of several rumors on the market that could take him to some other team. Not before two years, however, given that in 2018 the presence of him alongside Max Verstappen is confirmed.

“Verstappen has a longer contract – said Marko – but Ricciardo is already on the market“. And he then added: “We must look for alternatives, we will not be caught unprepared” regarding the person who will replace the Australian. And this role could be entrusted to Carlos Sainz, the young Spaniard currently driving for Toro Rosso who will be "loaned" to the team next year Renault but which will return to Red Bull's disposal in 2019.

There is no doubt, however, about Sainz's replacement in the Faenza team. Spanish will be replaced by Pierre Gasly, reigning GP2 champion who made his F1 debut last weekend in Malaysia. The Rouen pilot convinced Marko, who spent words of appreciation for him: "In Q1 he was only half a tenth behind Sainz, and even in the race, when he ran alone, the times were those of his teammate". If Gasly will run other races besides that of Suzuka Red Bull will communicate this on the weekend of the Japanese GP.

Finally, Marko spoke about the technical situation of the team, stating that he does not want to find himself in the crisis situation experienced in the first phase of this year. “Let's hope it doesn't happen again, there is a new procedure in the wind tunnel and we are not finished developing this car.” The next few years will be crucial given the possible transition to motorization Honda in 2019. But Marko says: “I don't worry about that. We are working on the current car and the 2018 one."

Lorenzo Lucidi