Formula 1’s rumour mill is abuzz with reports suggesting that Daniel Ricciardo has become Red Bull Racing’s primary candidate for a potential driver change in 2024, should the need arise.
This development marks a remarkable turn of events for the Australian driver, who departed from the team at the end of the 2018 season.
Ricciardo’s resurgence in the Formula 1 scene unfolded in the current season when he made a sensational return to the grid with Red Bull’s sister team, AlphaTauri.
This return was prompted by the need to replace the underperforming Nyck de Vries.
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However, an unfortunate injury temporarily interrupted Ricciardo’s comeback, though he has been confirmed as part of AlphaTauri’s lineup for the upcoming season.
The speculation surrounding Ricciardo’s future took a new turn when Lawrence Barretto reported on F1.com, stating:
“Sergio Perez is under pressure at Red Bull, having scored only a little over half the number of points his teammate Max Verstappen has mustered, the Mexican trailing by 177 points despite having what is comfortably the best car in the field.”
Sources have indicated that Ricciardo is the preferred choice for Red Bull if a replacement for Perez is deemed necessary, whether mid-season or at the end of the 2024 campaign.
Sergio Perez, despite securing two Grand Prix victories earlier in the 2023 season, has faced increasing scrutiny and pressure as his performances have fallen short of expectations.
The spotlight on him intensified with Daniel Ricciardo’s return to the Formula 1 scene.
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Ricciardo’s journey back to the sport came after being released by McLaren last season, with his ultimate aspiration being to secure a seat with Red Bull once again.
Perez, on the other hand, is currently under contract with Red Bull until the conclusion of the 2024 season, presenting the team with a significant decision regarding his future alongside Max Verstappen or the potential recruitment of Ricciardo.