Peter Bayer, CEO of RB, maintains that Daniel Ricciardo remains an essential part of the "big picture" at the Faenza-based 'junior' Formula 1 team.
Dr Helmut Marko, the Red Bull F1 consultant and stalwart, has suggested for several months that Ricciardo, at 35, may not align with the youthful direction of the team. "The shareholders have made it known that it is a junior team and we have to act accordingly," remarked Marko recently.
Contrary to this, Ricciardo shared his conflicting views just prior to the August break, asserting he doesn't view RB as merely Red Bull's 'junior team'. "I think that in their (Red Bull's) intentions and the way they go about it has made people kind of stand up and say 'Alright, this isn't a junior team anymore'," Ricciardo noted at Spa.
Speculation was rife that the team owners at Red Bull were poised to replace Ricciardo with newcomer Liam Lawson following a critical meeting post the Belgian GP. Nonetheless, Ricciardo retained his position and will continue with the team at least until season's end.
Acknowledging Marko's perspective, Bayer said, "Helmut argues that from his position in a logical way." He added, "He (Marko) is responsible for the junior team and therefore it is logical that he always has an important say when it comes to the drivers. He has the authority and the knowledge and he is very focused on the subject of juniors."
Bayer further elaborated, "I see a broader picture for the team. In the long-term, it's not so bad for Yuki (Tsunoda) to have an experienced teammate. It's the famous big picture issue."
"Yes, we have to develop young drivers. But you can of course also explain it in the way that Yuki is not quite ready yet. He learns a lot from Daniel when it comes to technical feedback. He has also learned a lot from Daniel in terms of controlling his emotions," Bayer clarified.
"He learns how to structure and plan a weekend. So, in short, he's learning. We are still polishing the rough diamond that is Yuki with Daniel's help. That is why Daniel's place in the team is justified," he concluded.
Regarding Ricciardo's actual performance, Bayer noted an improvement over the initial struggles of the 2024 season. "That is point two," Bayer continued.
"We also have to do well as a team. That is what the shareholders said after last year - that it cannot be the case that we have two teams and one becomes champion and the other one is last."
