In the ever-evolving world of Formula One, the unexpected is often just a race weekend away. With Red Bull Racing making yet another bold driver decision just two rounds into the 2025 season, the paddock has been buzzing with speculation. Liam Lawson’s abrupt removal from the Red Bull driver line-up has reignited conversations about who might be worthy – or daring enough – to line up alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen.
Ricciardo replacing Lawson’ Marko confirms his future
With such a coveted seat suddenly within reach, familiar names are being whispered around garages, media rooms and social channels. At the centre of this swirling speculation is Daniel Ricciardo, once a cornerstone of Red Bull’s success and still one of the sport’s most popular personalities. Ricciardo’s time with the team is fondly remembered – from his exhilarating overtakes to his celebratory shoeys – and he remains the last teammate to truly challenge Verstappen on a level playing field.
Ricciardo’s recent F1 career
Although his career trajectory took several detours after his departure in 2018, including a very brief resurgence at McLaren during a period of poor performances, and a short-lived second stint with Red Bull’s junior outfit, the idea of a homecoming has tantalised fans who believe the Aussie may still have some unfinished business in F1.
With Lawson now out of the picture and Red Bull known for making unorthodox but calculated decisions, the question looms large: Could Daniel Ricciardo, against all odds, be on the verge of a remarkable return to the sport’s main stage? The pieces seem to be in place – history, necessity and perhaps a touch of destiny.
But, as is always the case in Formula One, the story behind the scenes is rarely as simple as it seems. One thing is for certain though, Ricciardo always had the support of team boss Christian Horner, but Red Bull senior figure Helmut Marko never really thought much of the likeable Australian, and the latest interviews on the subject by Marko certainly confirms this.
Marko never considered Ricciardo as Lawson’s replacement
In recent years, no Red Bull Racing teammate has consistently managed to match Max Verstappen’s remarkable pace. Since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure at the end of 2018, the team has gone through Pierre Gasly, Alexander Albon and Sergio Perez – none of whom have been able to close the performance gap with the reigning four-time world champion.
Even Liam Lawson, Red Bull’s most recent short-term replacement, failed to make a strong enough impression to warrant a permanent seat.
But when Lawson was dropped just two races into the 2025 season, the idea of Ricciardo being brought back to partner Verstappen gained traction among fans. It was a romantic notion, harking back to Ricciardo’s golden years in Red Bull colours, when he was the last man to truly challenge Verstappen on a level playing field.
But according to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, it was never even discussed within the team. “The idea never came up,” Marko said in a candid interview on the Formel1.de YouTube channe
l. “It was never an issue.”
