Marko: We are interested [in future collaboration with Ricciardo]

Ricciardo spent the first part of the 2023 Formula 1 season in a reserve role with Red Bull while carrying out marketing activities for them, but was then promoted into a race seat at VCARB replacing the underperforming Nyck de Vries.

In the third race since his return, the Dutch Grand Prix, Ricciardo crashed in practice and broke his hand, and went on to miss five races, returning for the US Grand Prix in Austin that year.

In those five races, Lawson stepped in at the Red Bull junior team and impressed everyone with his performance that saw him score points in the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix.

But despite the Kiwi's impressive debut, he was sidelined with Ricciardo returning and racing on into the 2024 F1 season, and after failing to deliver the performances expected of him, the Australian was shown the door after last week's Singapore Grand Prix.

However, Marko insisted Red Bull are interested in maintaining ties with Ricciardo, be it in a reserve role or a marketing capacity, but also pointed out it is up to the ousted driver to decide how his future would be.

Speaking to Motorsport Total, Marko said: "We have had a conversation, and it is clear that we are interested. He is one of the most popular Formula 1 drivers, especially in the United States.

"But he wants time to consider his entire future. I don't think he will enter any other racing category. And on the other hand, if he is no longer actively racing, will he still want these PR activities at all?

"Ricciardo also has a lot of money in the bank, and I would say it is a life decision for him to decide how he wants to shape his future life," the Austrian maintained.

Ricciardo, on the other hand, is not interested in a reserve F1 role and said, quoted by Motorsport.com: "Obviously last year it made a lot of sense to keep one foot in the door, and the big picture was to try and get back at Red Bull.

"I think if I were to do that again... I'm not going to restart my career. I'm also 35, and I still showed the pace that I've had over the years, but it's obviously been evident that it's been harder for me to show it every weekend. It definitely came easier for me when I was 25 as opposed to 35, but also maybe the competition is just increasing.

"I'm happy that once upon a time I could do it, and that was a lot of fun. And I also want to leave the sport with good memories of it, and it doesn't get into that place where it's just a grind and I'm out in Q1 every weekend. That's obviously not fun," Ricciardo concluded.