Going into the Belgian Grand Prix, many questions surround Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo’s future at Red Bull.
With questionable performances from Sergio Perez, there have been doubts over his future at Red Bull. Other drivers have been linked as potential replacements should Red Bull drop him. A name with the strongest link is RB’s Daniel Ricciardo.
Is Checo Perez’s Extension Unstable?
Since Checo Perez scored the coveted Red Bull seat in 2021, both parties have benefitted greatly. With the influx of powerful Mexican sponsors and wealth, it’s no secret that, economically, the decision has been pivotal for Red Bull. But that’s not to say that Perez’s presence hasn’t come with its challenges. Especially when compared to Max Verstappen’s performance and drastic championship lead last year.
While at first, Checo’s underwhelming performance was expected and even necessary for Red Bull’s pursuit of championship success, the consistent below-average results this season have become an obstacle in the title fight. In a year when a Red Bull constructor’s win is less than guaranteed, Checo’s results are not enough to defend the title.
It was recently announced that Perez signed a contract extension for 2025— but with an important condition. The team has included a performance clause that allows them to terminate Checo’s contract if he is not within 100 points of his teammate by summer break. After Hungary, he is currently 7th in the drivers’ standings; 141 points away from Verstappen’s championship lead.
Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo Factor
Daniel Ricciardo left Red Bull in 2018. Since then, he has seemed to have wandered rather aimlessly between a couple of teams (Renault and McLaren) before taking a break. He inevitably returned to the Red Bull roster when he replaced Nyck de Vries mid-season last year. However, impressive reserve driver Liam Lawson stepped in when Ricciardo broke his wrist.
This stirred some additional questions about the driver lineup at Red Bull’s junior team. Whilst Lawson had a great run, his lack of experience in comparison to Ricciardo gives the latter the upper hand.
“Liam Lawson doesn’t have the experience to replace him, we don’t know if he can make that step.” – Former F1 World Drivers’ Championship winner Jacques Villeneuve speaking to Instant Casino about potential Sergio Perez replacements.
One thing Daniel Ricciardo has always had going for him though, is a close relationship with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. The man who initiated his return to the sport and has always been a proponent of his potential despite Ricciardo’s departure from the team almost 6 years ago. So the likelihood of Ricciardo taking back Checo’s seat at Red Bull is more probable than you might think.
A triumphant return to Red Bull would mean more than simply a win for Daniel Ricciardo. It’s the realization of a dream that previously seemed improbable to the highest degree. It would be just as monumental a victory for him as it would be for the fans. Like it or not, Ricciardo will always be a fan favourite— and a Red Bull favourite for that matter.
A mid-season swap is not out of the question. The most likely outcome: Ricciardo takes back the seat over the summer break, Liam Lawson takes the RB seat alongside Yuki Tsunoda, and the rest of 2024 sees Daniel Ricciardo as a successful yet supportive teammate with adequate, even above-average results.
While there’s no guarantee that Red Bull would be bold enough to exercise such a plan, it’s impossible to deny Daniel Ricciardo as a candidate for the seat, for this season or even for 2025.
