Christian Horner claims Helmut Marko wanted Ricciardo out of RB seat after Spanish GP

Pushed on the “larger image”, and whether or not this covers solely RB or Purple Bull’s plans as properly, Horner continued: “No, this goes past [RB]. It encompasses Purple Bull Racing. Clearly, we’ve obtained a contract with Sergio [Perez] for subsequent yr, however you’ve at all times obtained to have an eye fixed out when it comes to what comes subsequent.

“Is that going to be Liam? Or do we have to look exterior the pool? Or will one of many different juniors step up within the fullness of time, whether or not it’s [F2 driver] Isack Hadjar or [F3 driver] Arvid Lindblad?”

ANALYSIS: Ricciardo’s F1 career looks to be over – how did it come to this?

Horner went on to pinpoint a “lack of consistency” as the primary purpose behind Ricciardo shedding his seat, with little for the 35-year-old to have fun past P4 in Dash Qualifying and the Dash in Miami, and a run to Q3 and the factors in Canada.

“He began the season roughly, then Miami was a weekend of two halves,” Horner stated. “The Friday and Saturday morning was unbelievable, it seemed just like the Daniel of outdated defending towards Ferraris, outdriving the automotive. However then the Saturday afternoon and the Sunday have been disastrous.

“Even round [June’s Spanish Grand Prix weekend at] Barcelona, Helmut [Marko, Red Bull advisor] wished him out of the automotive. There was already a number of strain on him there.”