Helmut Marko has suggested that Liam Lawson's management was behind the claim that Daniel Ricciardo would be dropped in favour of the kiwi.

As the Australian's poor start to the season continued, there were media reports that unless things improved he would be dropped ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, in favour of reserve driver Liam Lawson who replaced him at five races last year following his crash in practice for the Dutch Grand Prix, Ricciardo's third outing for AlphaTauri after being brought in to replace Nyck de Vries.

Writing in Speedweek, Helmut Marko suggests that the rumour regarding Ricciardo's sacking came from Lawson's management.

"The rumours that Ricciardo will be replaced by Liam Lawson at Imola are nonsense," writes the Austrian. "Liam's manager from New Zealand was there, apparently he has certain dreams and they are made known through some media, including from New Zealand.

"Nothing at all is planned in Imola," insists the Austrian. "But of course we will look at this in the future."

Turning his attention to Ricciardo, who has shown improved form over the last couple of race weekends, not least claiming fourth in the Miami Shootout and going on to successfully defend the position in the sprint, Marko writes: "Daniel delivered a remarkable performance, fourth place was a sensation and he set the fastest time in sector three.

"This sector consists mainly of slow corners," he adds. "If you drive precisely there, you will gain an incredible amount of time. And if you make a mistake, it's doubly punishing because of the slow speed."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by kenji, 14/05/2024 1:57

"NZ based amateur hour!"

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2. Posted by KKK, 12/05/2024 18:43

"I'm sorry but Kawson hasn't really put on any lights. Never another Senba or Nax, just another racer. "

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3. Posted by BillH, 12/05/2024 18:39

"I can confirm that there is certain sectors of the media here in NZ that are spruiking Lawson and I'd say pretty much relying on the general sporting public and Drive to Survive viewers ignorant in the goings on of F1, to get animated by Ricciardo being replaced.
On the other hand there is at least one former driver that I do regard in such matters, suggesting that Ricciardo should be OK same as Tsunoda so Lawson should look outside of Red Bull to get a seat next year.
Perhaps Red Bull management (Marko) could get tired of the shenanigans of Lawson's manager, which would be a spanner in the works.
Annoying the boss / employer is considered to be rather career limiting at most places of employment.
"

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Lawson's management behind Ricciardo rumours?

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