Red Bull F1 leader ‘Ricciardo’s entry is not pressure on Perez'[F1-Gate.com]

Red Bull F1 motorsport adviser Helmut Marko has denied the idea that Daniel Ricciardo’s third appointment was ‘pressure’ on Sergio Perez.

At the end of the 2022 season, the relationship, or at least the look, between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez seemed to fall apart.

Shortly after, it was revealed that Daniel Ricciardo, who lost his F1 seat at McLaren, would return to Red Bull as a third driver in 2023.

As a result, some questioned whether he was a warning to Sergio Perez despite his two-year contract extension.

Max Verstappen suggests Sergio Perez is having a hard time adjusting to the de facto number two role.

“I won’t name names, but I have to accept my role,” Verstappen said.

However, Helmut Marko, motorsport adviser at Red Bull F1, said Daniel Ricciardo primarily has a marketing role.

“We mustn’t forget that we are a very big team,” said Helmut Marko.

“We have more sponsors than any other team and with that come more obligations.”

“He also wants to increase his market share in America, and no one can do it better than Ricciardo. He has a big smile on his face and his ‘shooey’ is known everywhere.”

“He also has a lot of experience and can take the car to the next level.”

“I’m not trying to put pressure on Sergio.”

In fact, 79-year-old Helmut Marko believes he’s good enough to continue as teammate of two-times world champion Max Verstappen.

“I think Sergio has shown that he can ride at a very high level. Even if Max doesn’t have a good race, Perez will be there,” said Helmut Marko.

“When Max pushes the envelope and is confident, it’s different than when someone else is pushing the envelope.”

“Our car is where Perez is, and Perez is a very good F1 driver, but he’s not Verstappen.”

Category: F1 / Red Bull / Sergio Perez / Daniel Ricardo