Yuki Tsunoda Suggests Daniel Ricciardo as Potential Replacement for Sergio Perez at Red Bull Racing

In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, speculations about driver changes and team dynamics are always circulating. AlphaTauri’s young talent, Yuki Tsunoda, recently added fuel to the fire by suggesting that his teammate, Daniel Ricciardo, could be the one to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull Racing in the future.

In an interview with Autosport ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the Japanese driver elucidated:

“Daniel has experience, more fans, he’s more trusted and more valued so it makes sense.

“I just have to show my performance consistently to kind of show them [and] everyone that I can be that contender.”

The buzz around Sergio Perez’s future with Red Bull has been steadily growing, primarily driven by the notable performance gap between him and the team’s superstar, Max Verstappen. While Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner, has reiterated Perez’s position in accordance with his existing contract, Dr. Helmut Marko, the motorsport advisor at Red Bull, has dropped hints that Perez’s seat may not be as secure as it seems.

As the Formula 1 season reaches its climax, Perez has a golden opportunity to secure second place in the Drivers’ Championship at the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix. This achievement would be historic for Red Bull Racing, as they have never finished a championship with a 1-2 standing in the Drivers’ Standings.

Yuki Tsunoda’s assertion that Daniel Ricciardo could be in line to replace Perez adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing speculation. The prospect of Ricciardo joining Red Bull Racing, a team he previously raced for, would undoubtedly stir excitement among fans and pundits alike.

Ricciardo, known for his aggressive driving style and infectious smile, is currently part of the AlphaTauri team, the sister squad to Red Bull Racing. While his immediate focus remains on his current team and their performance, the thought of returning to a top-tier team like Red Bull must be an enticing prospect for the Australian driver.

However, it’s important to note that Formula 1 is a sport of constant change, and rumors are often just that—rumors. The future of Sergio Perez and Red Bull Racing is uncertain, and only time will reveal the true direction the team will take.

Tsunoda further elaborated that, in his view, Ricciardo wouldn’t step into Perez’s role until the conclusion of Perez’s existing contract. He went on to mention:

“Anyway, Checo [Perez] has next year’s contract and nothing we can do to change anything. I just need to keep showing my results now.

“He’s [Ricciardo] doing a good job, especially after coming back from McLaren and he seems really comfortable in the car especially compared to at previous teams. I think he’s got Red Bull energy, the Red Bull style.”

In the meantime, all eyes are on the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where Perez and Red Bull will strive to secure a remarkable 1-2 finish in the Drivers’ Champio4nship, a feat that would solidify their place in Formula 1 history.