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.<\/p>\n
Since Checo Perez scored the coveted Red Bull seat in 2021, both parties have benefitted greatly. With the influx of powerful Mexican sponsors<\/a> and wealth, it\u2019s no secret that, economically, the decision has been pivotal for Red Bull. But that\u2019s not to say that Perez\u2019s presence hasn\u2019t come with its challenges. Especially when compared to Max Verstappen\u2019s performance<\/a> and drastic championship lead last year.<\/p>\n While at first, Checo\u2019s underwhelming performance was expected and even necessary for Red Bull\u2019s 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\u2019s win is less than guaranteed, Checo\u2019s results are not enough to defend the title.<\/p>\n It was recently announced that Perez signed a contract extension<\/a> for 2025\u2014 but with an important condition. The team has included a performance clause <\/a>that allows them to terminate Checo\u2019s contract if he is not within 100 points of his teammate by summer break. After Hungary, he is currently 7th in the drivers\u2019 standings; 141 points away from Verstappen\u2019s championship lead.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> mid-season last year. However, impressive reserve driver Liam Lawson<\/a> stepped in when Ricciardo broke his wrist.<\/p>\nRed Bull\u2019s Daniel Ricciardo Factor<\/h4>\n