Helmut Marko issues hammer blow to Daniel Ricciardo’s hope of returning to Red Bull’s top team, saying the Aussie is ‘too slow’ ahead of Australian F1 Grand Prix at Albert Park

Red Bull supremo Helmut Marko has bluntly stated fan favourite Daniel Ricciardo is ‘too slow’ ahead of the Australian F1 Grand Prix on Sunday.

It comes after the Perth-born driver made a poor start to the season with Visa Cash App RB, and also has been outshone by his teammate Yuki Tsunoda.

Ricciardo then did himself no favours after recording the 18th fastest time during the third practice session at Albert Park on Saturday, ahead of qualifying from 4pm AEDT. 

With questionable results in Bahrain (13th) and Saudi Arabia (16th), Ricciardo needs a big result in Melbourne.

‘There’s a lot at stake for [Tsunoda and Ricciardo]. Both might be hoping for a [future] seat at Red Bull, and one should be well ahead of the other,’ Marko told motorsport.com.

It comes after the Perth-born driver has made a poor start to the season with Visa Cash App RB

With questionable results in Bahrain (13th) and Saudi Arabia (16th), Ricciardo needs a big result in Melbourne to silence the doubters

‘So yes, [I would say at this stage], Ricciardo is a bit behind [from where he should be].

‘Let’s put it this way: Tsunoda’s qualifying speed is okay. But in the race, both are too slow.’

Marko added that Sergio Perez is keeping world champion teammate Max Verstappen honest with two second place finishes this season.

Ricciardo is adamant his focus is one race at a time, and hasn’t allowed himself to think about a return to Red Bull alongside his great mate Verstappen.

‘I enjoy being back in the Red Bull family because I enjoy that little bit of extra whatever it is from Helmut, where it’s like, ‘I know he’s always going to be on my arse’,’ Ricciardo told Fox Sports.

‘That’s how he is. That’s fine. I’m totally okay with that….the only pressure is what I put on myself.’

Qualifying for Sunday’s race begins at 4pm on Saturday AEDT.