Daniel Ricciardo denies there have been any talks with Red Bull for 2024, insisting that his focus is on AlphaTauri.
Since signing for AlphaTauri after the British GP, there have been persistent talks about a potential Daniel Ricciardo to Red Bull. This is unsurprising, given the lack of performance Sergio Perez is experiencing alongside the Dutchman.
Ricciardo didn’t return at AlphaTauri to spend time in the midfield, and Red Bull themselves wouldn’t waste a seat that could go to a young driver lightly. The aim of bringing back the Australian has been to assess his level and whether he can be a viable option for Red Bull.
His crash in Zandvoort forced him to miss several races, a significant blow in his return to F1. However, with three rounds left, the 34-year-old already has a solid result to build upon and use as momentum.
With the AT04 showing signs of growing competitiveness since the upgrades introduced in Singapore, points are increasingly achievable for AlphaTauri. As seen last weekend, this gives both drivers the opportunity to make an impression.
Amidst the enthusiasm for the potential impact of Ricciardo’s Mexico performance, the Australian clarified any suggestions of Red Bull talks:
“I haven’t. Yeah, obviously, all the stuff around my contract next year has been related to AlphaTauri.
“So that’s, I would say that’s honestly as far as that goes, I think.
“Fr me personally, having a weekend like Mexico is definitely good for the soul. And also for the team, you know?
“I haven’t been here long but for them to be tenth in the Constructors’, and to jump two places in the space of two weekends was huge.
“So, I think that kind of creates a very happy atmosphere around everyone… And [I] try to just keep charging on where I am.”
Unlike in previous stages this year, Red Bull’s senior personnel are singing a similar tune on their driver situation. Helmut Marko, for example, continues to assert that Perez will see out his contract until 2024.
Considering his statements earlier this year (often vocal of Perez’s performances), this marks a clear shift.
Christian Horner, meanwhile, has been consistent in defending his driver pairing. Whilst this does not necessarily reflect internal discussions, the Austrian team is now working to support Perez.
Generally speaking, predicting Red Bull’s plans concerning their drivers is very difficult. One thing that can always be relied on, however, is the team’s willingness to make snap decisions.
With this in mind, both Daniel Ricciardo and Sergio Perez will ensure to position themselves in the best way possible with a strong end to 2023.
