Helmut Marko praises Carlos Sainz's form amid Red Bull Racing speculations

With Sergio Perez's contract set to expire at the end of the 2024 season, Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda have emerged as contenders eyeing the opportunity to partner Max Verstappen in the upcoming campaign.

Sainz's name has also surfaced in discussions, particularly following his impressive podium finish in Bahrain and a commanding victory in Australia, showcasing resilience even after missing a race due to health issues.

Marko, known for his influential role in shaping driver line-ups, offered his evaluation of Sainz's prospects, emphasizing Perez's strong performances and pinpointing one area for improvement.

"Of course, his form is fascinating," Marko commented to Laoula1 regarding Sainz. "Checo has had three good races this year. If he improves on his qualifying, we won't have to consider any changes for 2025."

Regarding the internal battle between Ricciardo and Tsunoda at RB F1 team, Marko expressed bewilderment over Ricciardo's struggles in comparison to his teammate.

"We are puzzled over that; he is generally slower than Yuki," Marko remarked concerning Ricciardo's performance. "After three races on different circuits, it's unclear whether Yuki has elevated his performance or if Daniel is underperforming."

Looking ahead, the Formula 1 Japan Grand Prix looms large on the calendar, scheduled for the weekend of April 5-7, marking the fourth race of the 2024 season. Practice sessions kick off on April 5, followed by qualifying on April 6, culminating in the race itself on April 7 at the iconic Suzuka International Racing Course, promising yet another thrilling chapter in the ongoing F1 season.