Daniel Ricciardo Emerges as Red Bull’s Top Pick for Perez’s Potential Replacement, Insider Claims

Daniel Ricciardo has been identified as the primary candidate to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull Racing, as revealed by F1 journalist Lawrence Barretto. Amidst speculation about Perez’s future with the team, Ricciardo is poised to make a significant comeback in the upcoming season.

Key Takeaways

• Perez’s Uncertain Future: Despite having a contract with Red Bull until the end of 2024, Sergio Perez is facing rumors of an early exit, particularly after a dip in his performance following the 2023 Miami Grand Prix.
• Ricciardo in the Spotlight: Daniel Ricciardo is increasingly seen as the top choice for replacing Perez. His potential return to peak form is expected, especially with AlphaTauri’s anticipated competitive edge this year.
• Performance Gap Concerns: The growing performance disparity between Perez and his teammate Max Verstappen, even after early victories in the season, raises questions about his long-term suitability for Red Bull Racing.

The Formula 1 landscape for the 2025 season is brimming with speculation and strategic shuffles, with Red Bull Racing at the forefront of these discussions. Sergio Perez’s future with the team has become a subject of intense debate in the F1 community. Initially, the 2023 season started off strong for Perez, with notable wins at the Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix. However, a noticeable dip in performance post-Miami has fueled rumors about his tenure at Red Bull.

Lawrence Barretto, a renowned F1 journalist, shared his insights on this evolving situation. In his recent column, he stated, “As it stands, it is believed Ricciardo tops senior management’s list of suitable replacements. The Australian will need to get back to his very best this year and with many insiders feeling his AlphaTauri team will make a big step forward this year in terms of competitiveness, there’s a strong chance he’ll deliver.” Ricciardo’s potential return to form is seen as a critical factor in this equation.

Despite the swirling rumors, Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team chief, has repeatedly affirmed Perez’s secure position in the team until the end of his current contract, which extends through the end of 2024. Horner’s statements seem to downplay the possibility of an early replacement for Perez, maintaining a stance of stability and commitment to the current lineup.

The situation remains dynamic, with the 2024 season poised to be a decisive factor in shaping the future of Red Bull Racing’s driver lineup. As the season progresses, the performance of both Perez and Ricciardo will be under close scrutiny, potentially impacting the strategic decisions of Red Bull’s senior management.