The Singapore Grand Prix was the 35-year-old Australian’s final race in Formula 1, with his position being taken by young New Zealand driver Liam Lawson at Red Bull’s second team RB.
Ricciardo admitted during the Singapore event that Indycar does not appeal to him, as it “scares” him, but last year he proved to be a valuable PR and marketing figure for Red Bull while he was working on making his F1 return.
According to Marko, Red Bull’s leading consultant in F1, a similar marketing and media role will once again be available for the popular Australian.
“We’ve had some conversations and we’re clearly interested,” said the 81-year-old Austrian to formel1.de. “He’s one of the most popular drivers, especially in the United States.”
“He wants to take some time to decide about his future,” Marko continued. “I don’t think he will go to another category. On the other hand, if he is not racing anymore, does he still want to do those PR things?”
“He has a lot of money so it’s up to him how he wants to shape his future,” Marko added.
This period is particularly interesting for Red Bull Racing, the main team in the Red Bull empire, with ongoing rumours about the future of Sergio Perez‘s seat.
Marko also expressed concerns that the recent swearing controversy might push Max Verstappen to an unexpected early retirement.
“If it all gets ruined for him even more, then he is the type that says ‘Ok, that’s it’. He really means it,” Marko revealed.
“We spoke at length on Tuesday. He (Max) still has to do some media activities, but otherwise he can now rest. He has to be ready for the long and exciting title fight.”
If Verstappen does decide to retire, Red Bull is already considering George Russell as a potential replacement. Russell’s current contract with Mercedes only guarantees him a seat with the team until the end of 2025.
“Russell is equal to or even faster than (Lewis) Hamilton in qualifying,” Marko commented. “But I’m focusing on our juniors first.”
Marko is also keeping an eye on Franco Colapinto, who is under contract with Williams but was recently offered to Audi-Sauber on loan for 2025.
“Yes, although he is part of the Williams team,” Marko explained. “But that can change. He does not have a seat for next year.”
“I see that he has potential in the future, after what he showed in Baku and Singapore, but now we want to see what our juniors can do. And (Yuki) Tsunoda can still be considered a junior.”
Leave a Reply