Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has confirmed that Daniel Ricciardo will have the opportunity to drive the RB19 after the British Grand Prix, as the team aims to assess his pace and performance.
Ricciardo, who returned to Red Bull as the third driver for the 2023 season after his contract with McLaren ended prematurely last year, has been patiently waiting for his chance to showcase his abilities. He has been actively involved as a reserve driver, attending several races and spending time in Red Bull’s simulator as part of his duties.
Marko revealed that Ricciardo will have a three-day test with the RB19 after the Silverstone race, allowing the team to gain a comprehensive understanding of his performance.
“We will have Ricciardo in the car for three days after Silverstone at the tyre test, and then we can evaluate where Ricciardo really stands,” Marko stated in an interview with Austrian broadcaster ORF.
While discussing Sergio Perez, who is currently in his third season as a Red Bull driver, Marko emphasized that the team recognizes the unique talent of Max Verstappen.
“We have only one Max [Verstappen],” Marko stated, referring to Perez’s performance in recent qualifying sessions. Perez has failed to advance beyond Q2 in the last three races, and he has fallen behind Verstappen in the Drivers’ standings, with Verstappen now holding a commanding 69-point lead.
Despite Red Bull’s strong position in the Drivers’ and Constructors’ standings, the team remains committed to exploring all available options, including their reserve driver.
“Ricciardo’s initial target was two to three years, which is more than he planned anyway, and we just have to keep our options open for the future,” Marko added.
The opportunity for Ricciardo to drive the RB19 will provide valuable insights for Red Bull, allowing them to assess his pace and performance compared to their current lineup. As the team evaluates their options for the future, they remain focused on maintaining their success in the current season while keeping an eye on potential succession plans.
The upcoming test session will be crucial for Ricciardo as he seeks to demonstrate his abilities and prove that he is a strong contender for a full-time race seat with Red Bull in the future. Fans and experts alike will be eagerly awaiting his performance and the insights gained from this evaluation.
