Helmut Marko, has claimed that Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo broke a “handshake agreement” before his departure from the team in…

In a stunning revelation, Red Bull Racing’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, has claimed that Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo broke a “handshake agreement” before his departure from the team in 2018. Marko’s comments shed new light on the circumstances surrounding Ricciardo’s exit from the Formula 1 powerhouse, fueling ongoing speculation about the true reasons behind the split.

Ricciardo, once one of Red Bull’s star drivers, left the team after five seasons in a shock move to Renault at the end of 2018. At the time, Ricciardo cited a desire for new challenges and the prospect of a more competitive environment at Renault as reasons for his departure. However, Marko’s recent interview reveals a more personal aspect to the situation, suggesting that Ricciardo’s decision was not entirely driven by professional motives.

According to Marko, the Australian had verbally agreed to remain with Red Bull for the 2019 season under what he described as a “handshake agreement.” Marko stated, “Daniel had agreed, with no contracts signed, that he would stay with us for the following season. But then, without any warning, he decided to leave. We were shocked when he suddenly announced his departure to Renault.”

The claim about a “handshake agreement” has stirred significant debate within the F1 community, as many drivers sign formal contracts well in advance of any major team changes. Marko’s comments suggest that Ricciardo’s decision to leave was unexpected and left Red Bull in a difficult position, scrambling to find a replacement for the 2019 season.

Ricciardo’s move to Renault was seen by many as a bold career choice, especially given the competitive dominance of Mercedes and Ferrari at the time. However, his time with Renault did not yield the desired results, with Ricciardo struggling to consistently challenge for podium finishes. The Australian driver’s tenure at Renault was marked by internal tensions and underperformance, leading him to move to McLaren in 2021—a further attempt to secure a more competitive seat.

Helmut Marko’s remarks have rekindled questions about the true reasons behind Ricciardo’s Red Bull departure. Some have suggested that Ricciardo’s relationship with team principal Christian Horner and the internal dynamics of the team were contributing factors. Others believe that Ricciardo felt overshadowed by teammate Max Verstappen, who was rapidly becoming Red Bull’s main focus, and wanted a fresh start.

Ricciardo himself has often been diplomatic when discussing his Red Bull departure, rarely delving into the specifics of the internal team issues. In past interviews, the 35-year-old has stated that his decision to leave was based on his desire to find a team where he could take on a more prominent leadership role and have the opportunity to fight for consistent podiums.

The ongoing tension between Ricciardo and Red Bull was also reignited in 2022 when Ricciardo briefly returned to the team as a third driver, following a turbulent spell at McLaren. Despite not being in a racing seat, Ricciardo worked closely with Red Bull’s development program, with many speculating that it could pave the way for a full-time return to the grid. However, Ricciardo has since made it clear that his ambitions lie beyond being a reserve driver.

As for Red Bull, the team quickly moved to secure the services of Pierre Gasly as Ricciardo’s replacement, who would later be replaced by Alex Albon in 2020. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s rise to dominance with Verstappen at the helm has continued, culminating in multiple world championships for the Dutchman.

The relationship between Ricciardo and Red Bull remains one of the most complex in recent Formula 1 history, with both sides occasionally exchanging subtle jabs in the media. Marko’s latest comments only add another layer to the saga, reigniting discussions about the true reasons for Ricciardo’s controversial exit from the team. With the 2024 F1 season fast approaching, it is clear that the Ricciardo-Red Bull story is far from over, and fans are keenly watching for any further developments.