RB CEO Peter Bauer believes Daniel Ricciardo’s vast experience in Formula 1 has been an asset that has helped to develop “rough diamond” team-mate Yuki Tsunoda.
Ricciardo has been partnered alongside Tsunoda at Red Bull’s second-string squad ever since Nyck de Vries was ousted last July amid a disastrous rookie F1 season.
However, Ricciardo’s F1 comeback hasn’t been plain sailing as a crash at Zandvoort saw him miss five rounds last term, while he endured a sluggish opening to 2024.
The Australian’s initial struggles to match the less-experienced Tsunoda prompted questions about his future with Red Bull reserve Liam Lawson awaiting his chance.
When asked about Marko’s comments, Bayer acknowledged that the Austrian’s role in heading Red Bull’s Driver Development Programme would impact his viewpoint.
“I think Helmut is logically arguing from his position,” Bayer told Motorsport Total.
“He is responsible for the junior team, which is 100 per cent under his responsibility and he logically always has a very important say in terms of driver technology.
“He has the authority, the knowledge, everything – and he focuses incredibly on the junior topic.”
Bayer has concurred with Tsunoda’s previous assessment that observing Ricciardo up close has helped the Japanese native to transcend into a more polished driver.
“I see a bit of a broader spectrum in the overall responsibility for the team, this famous big picture theme somewhere: Yes, we have to develop young drivers,” he said.
“But at the end of the day, you can also define that as Yuki is not quite finished yet.
“He has learned a lot from Daniel when it comes to technical feedback, development, exchange.
“He has also learned a lot from Daniel when it comes to emotional control and management, how to structure and plan his weekend. In other words, he is learning.
“We are actually still in the process of perfecting this rough diamond Yuki, with the help of Daniel. Daniel has definitely justified his place in the team.”
But while Tsunoda has secured a drive with RB in 2025, Ricciardo’s prospects remain uncertain as he continues to harbour desires to move back up to a Red Bull seat.
The eight-time race winner’s chances will depend on whether Red Bull opts to retain Sergio Perez, who has been given a reprieve despite his ongoing wretched streak.
Ricciardo has expressed that he would be prepared to remain at RB should that opening not arise, but Bayer has conceded that RB’s line-up will come down to results.
“I think that’s the second point in the big picture. We also have to perform as a team,” he added.
“The shareholders said very clearly last year: It cannot be that we have two teams, one wins the World Cup and the second is 10th.
“How do you move forward? With drivers who can regularly deliver points and can support each other.
“And that’s why I think – we have always been very transparent about this – that Daniel’s time (in the team) is directly tied to his performance.”
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