Guenther Steiner labels the ‘strange’ thing Helmut Marko has done during Daniel Ricciardo saga

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Daniel Ricciardo has been an excellent servant to the Red Bull family over the last decade and more of his Formula 1 career.

Few drivers could match what he has achieved in the sport – which includes eight race victories, seven of which he claimed for Red Bull Racing.

But the last few years have been a struggle, and it looks as though that may have caught up with him after the Singapore Grand Prix.

Visa Cash App RB have confirmed that Ricciardo will step aside from his race seat after doubts emerged over his future on the grid.

Rumours are circulating the paddock that the Australian will be replaced by Liam Lawson at RB – with the Kiwi having waited in the wings for two years to receive an opportunity.

Helmut Marko’s lack of words on Daniel Ricciardo is ‘strange’

It’s a shame that Ricciardo looks set to bow out from the sport without the real goodbye he deserves to the paddock and his friends.

It’s unknown what he could go on to do next, but there’s bound to be a position in the paddock (not just as a racing driver) somewhere.

Guenther Steiner has been confused by Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko’s lack of words with regards to the situation, as a man who usually has plenty to say.

READ MORE: What Red Bull had to ‘sacrifice’ at the Singapore Grand Prix to deliver ‘pure performance’

“If these people [Ricciardo and Perez] have to perform, they have to be mentally in a good frame of mind and only when you have the backing of your team,” he told Champ1.

Not from one person, but the whole team. I would say I find it strange that at the moment, Dr Marko is usually someone who really says what he means. But, maybe he no longer has what I call it what he used to have.”

How could things end up at Red Bull?

It’s no secret that Sergio Perez’s performances have caused a few issues down at Red Bull too, with the Mexican arguably having endured a worse season than Ricciardo.

While he has a contract for 2025, his team have shown that doesn’t scare them before, and he could be out if his performances fail to pick up.

That may bring Ricciardo back into the frame, but whether or not he would want to return after saying goodbye for a second time will be on him.

READ MORE: Daniel Ricciardo’s RB boss scolded for ‘talking gibberish’ at Singapore Grand Prix

Will Buxton pleaded with the Aussie to move to IndyCar, but he revealed that the North American series and its daunting ovals still ‘scare’ him.

So maybe Ricciardo could slot into a punditry role, and put his 13 years of Formula 1 experience to use in front of the TV screens – his personality would make him a big hit, and his smiles infectious for viewers.