Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko reveals insights into Daniel Ricciardo’s departure from the Austrian team. The Australian swapped Red Bull for Renault in 2019, a move that came as a major shock to the racing team. Ricciardo had previously promised to continue driving for Red Bull in 2019 with a handshake.
Ricciardo experienced the most success of his career as a driver for Red Bull, securing seven of his eight victories. However, the Perth native decided to move to Renault in the summer of 2018, much to the astonishment of the Austrian racing team.
According to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, Ricciardo’s decision to leave Red Bull was the “turning point” of his career. This was particularly surprising as the Australian had previously promised to sign a Red Bull contract for 2019 with a handshake. “It was an event in the main square in Graz,” recalls Marko. “Afterwards, we sat down together and made an agreement. Sealed with a handshake. He then traveled to Salzburg and did the same with Dietrich Mateschitz.”
“But (Ricciardo) had certain reservations about the Honda engine that was coming to us, and apparently listened more to Renault and Cyril Abiteboul,” continues Marko. Ricciardo ultimately stayed with Renault for two years before moving to McLaren.
No Regrets
Ricciardo himself has no regrets about his decision to leave Red Bull, even though the driver has only won one race since his Red Bull days. “It’s not that I look back and regret,” Ricciardo tells PlanetF1. “I know why I made that decision. If I thought what I think now, would I have made a different decision? Probably. It doesn’t mean I regret that decision at that time, that was just where my head was at.”
