F1’s most sensible correspondent, Lawrence Barretto, claims Daniel Ricciardo is the “best” candidate if Red Bull opts to upgrade Sergio Perez, and a 2024 F1 speed boost is expected for AlphaTauri for its cause.
After moving to Renault and then on to a disastrous McLaren spell that made him question his will to carry on in F1, Ricciardo has now returned to the grid with Red Bull’s second team and is now eyeing a comeback to the senior squad.
It is possible that the opportunity will open up for 2025 as Perez, Max Verstappen’s current teammate at Red Bull, can use F1 2024 to prove he deserves a contract extension.
Should Red Bull decide Perez has not done enough, then Barretto believes Ricciardo is in prime position to be called upon, and ‘many insiders’ believe he will have an improved platform with which to prove his worth in F1 2024.
The soon-to-be-renamed-à-renamed AlphaTauri team has made great strides in the 2023 F1 finale, with ties strengthening with parent team Red Bull for next year in relation to various team bosses, as the fact that Red Bull has ruled the season with 21 wins from 22 grands prix bodes very well for AlphaTauri’s fortunes.
“As the reigning world champion and current leader of the F1 category, Sergio Perez’s seat at Red Bull will be one of the most sought-after,” Barretto wrote for the Formula 1 website.
“Team principal Christian Horner said it was the job the Mexican should lose. Do a smart job, and particularly in qualifying, where you struggled in 2023, and the team will have no explanation for why to change. If it doesn’t, Red Bull will be able to draw on its driving force group, which includes Daniel Ricciardo, Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson.
“As things stand, Ricciardo is considered to be the most sensible on the list of suitable replacements for senior management.
The Aussie will want to get back to his own thing this year, and with many experts believing his AlphaTauri team will take a big step forward this year in terms of competitiveness, there is a strong chance that he will succeed.
“This will give Red Bull a huge headache as a 2018 Ricciardo will be too strong an option to turn down. “
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Ricciardo is not the only piece of the Red Bull driver puzzle generating a great deal of intrigue, as his fate could directly impact that of reserve driver Liam Lawson, who Red Bull senior advisor and driver programme boss Helmut Marko wants on the grid for F1 2025, following an impressive five-race 2023 stint to cover the injured Ricciardo.
If Ricciardo impresses and returns to Red Bull it would make Lawson the “obvious” pick to fill that spot, Barretto writes, if things change, Ricciardo could be left off the F1 grid in favor of Lawson.
“If AlphaTauri is more competitive this year as they enter a new era led by former Ferrari sporting director Laurent Mekies, their seats will be even more sought after,” Barretto continued.
“Red Bull Motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has hinted that Liam Lawson will get a seat for 2025, but for that to happen, either Ricciardo or [Yuki] Tsunoda have to give in.
That decision will be made if Ricciardo joins Red Bull, as a smart season for Tsunoda will most likely be enough to keep him on Lawson’s return. But if Tsunoda or Ricciardo struggle, it would be a no-brainer for Red. Bull to point out Lawson for one of them.
Verstappen’s future with Red Bull is at least very safe, the three-time World Champion under contract until the end of 2028.
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