A major decision is looming large for Sergio Perez, Daniel Ricciardo, and Yuki Tsunoda, as they navigate Red Bull's notorious sword of Damocles.
In a revealing twist within Red Bull's junior team dynamics, Ricciardo and Tsunoda are pitted against each other, each aspiring to secure a spot alongside Max Verstappen for the 2025 season.
"Both may be hoping for a place in the first team," conveyed Dr. Helmut Marko, Red Bull's influential figure, during an interview with Sky Deutschland in Australia. "But for that to happen, one of them will have to be well ahead of the other."
"Ricciardo is a little behind," the octogenarian pointed out. "But let's say it like this: Tsunoda has speed in qualifying, but in the race, they are both too slow."
"I think at least a point should have been scored in each of the first two races," Marko elaborated. "It's very difficult to score points when you're behind the top five teams, but when you have the opportunity, you can't make mistakes."
Reflecting on the future, Marko also expresses uncertainty about Perez's position in the senior team beyond this year.
"We are happy with Perez," he admits, "but he is no longer young. Neither is Ricciardo. Perhaps we'll turn our attention to someone else."
Speculation naturally turns towards Liam Lawson, the 22-year-old prodigy who impressed in his stand-in role last season.
"First he needs to prove himself," Marko states. "But what he showed last year was very impressive."
Considering Perez's current form, Marko suggests a potential advantage in maintaining his position for the 2025 lineup.
"He drove two very good races," Marko acknowledges of the Mexican. "He is second in the championship. The question of who should replace Perez now is not really an issue."
"It's about the future."
