Helmut Marko insists Red Bull “never considered” handing Daniel Ricciardo an F1 reprieve as they weighed up their options to replace Liam Lawson. After a troubled start to the 2025 F1 season, Lawson has returned to Red Bull’s sister team, with Yuki Tsunoda drafted in ahead of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix to partner Max Verstappen.

If you were wondering what Daniel Ricciardo has been up to since leaving Formula 1, we’ve got some fun F1 news for you: In Australia, he paid a secret visit to the paddock. Plus, we have more on Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull evolution and details on the FIA flexi-wing saga.

Helmut Marko has confirmed that Daniel Ricciardo was present at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, but the 35-year-old was not in contention to replace Liam Lawson after the New Zealander was dropped just two races into his Red Bull career.