Red Bull will decide whether to promote or replace Daniel Ricciardo after the Belgian GP
Like the other drivers under contract at Red Bull, Daniel Ricciardo is under immense pressure. In an ideal scenario, the 34-year-old could find himself racing alongside Max Verstappen after the summer break. However, should Red Bull deem him unworthy of a promotion, he could lose his place in F1 altogether.
Both VCARB drivers, Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda, are fighting to drive for Red Bull in the second half of the season.
They hope to capitalise on Sergio Perez’s difficulties, with the Mexican in desperate need of a strong result today in Belgium.
Despite earning a contract extension a few months ago, Helmut Marko has confirmed that Perez’s contract contains performance clauses that could see him dropped.
It is no secret that Christian Horner has a strong relationship with Daniel Ricciardo. The 8-time race winner’s history with the Red Bull team principal gives him a chance to earn a drive with the main team.
However, the Australian has been outperformed by teammate Yuki Tsunoda in 2024. As a result, the reigning Champions have been reluctant to give the 34-year-old a new deal.
Lawson changes the equation for Ricciardo
In many ways, Red Bull have been waiting for Ricciardo to give them a reason to promote him.
However, although he’s enjoyed a few good moments this year, they have been too sporadic to give Red Bull any certainty.
This is a problem for Ricciardo, and not just because it may prevent him from being promoted.
More pressingly for the Australian, there is a scenario where Red Bull replaces him over the summer break.
Liam Lawson is still waiting on the sidelines for an F1 seat. Should Red Bull fail to offer him a full-time contract, Lawson could consider alternatives outside of the Austrian team.
This is something the squad based in Milton Keynes want to avoid, given Lawson’s obvious potential.
As a result, the two paths ahead for Ricciardo are two different extremes. If he convinces Red Bull he is capable of helping them in the Constructors’ battle, he could reunite with former teammate Max Verstappen.
However, per motorsport.com, Ricciardo could be replaced mid-season if Red Bull concludes he is not fast enough for the main team.
After all, if the 34-year-old is not at the required level to race for Red Bull, it seems illogical to keep him at VCARB, which is meant to develop young talent.
Red Bull still undecided
Helmut Marko has echoed this sentiment previously. The 81-year-old has generally been more positive about Tsunoda’s efforts at VCARB this season.
Regardless, the stage is set at Red Bull. Over the next few days, there will inevitably be winners and losers.
Liam Lawson’s career could be kick-started. Meanwhile, Perez and Ricciardo’s F1 aspirations at Milton Keynes could reach an abrupt end.
There is no clarity on what decision will Red Bull will take as they continue evaluating their drivers.
What is certain, however, is that change is almost inevitable for Christian Horner’s team.
The next 48 hours could redefine RB and VCARB for the short and medium term.
