It has long been speculated that Daniel Ricciardo is next in line to join Red Bull. He recently took the car for a ride on the streets of Nashville. In his latest Instagram post, Daniel Ricciardo posted a photo with his helmet on Red Bull’s RB7 in Nashville. This has sent some fans thinking it is a teaser of things to come.
Over the last couple of months, Sergio Perez in Red Bull’s second car has not been performing anywhere near the benchmark set by Max Verstappen. The Dutch driver is already over 200 points ahead of his teammate. This has allowed him to secure this year’s Championship making him a 3-time champion.
Is he manifesting or soft launching? pic.twitter.com/nmU1I7h9XO
— Mia (@ricciardosbabe) October 15, 2023
Sergio Perez on the other hand is still sitting in 2nd place but is on the verge of losing the position to Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes. Lewis is currently 30 points behind Perez. A race win could help close that gap rather quickly.
Red Bull has never finished a season while securing the top 2 spots in the WDC. They did come close last season but were denied by Charles Leclerc as he had a strong start to the season. This year, they once again have the chance to secure the top 2 spots. Max Verstappen’s spot is guaranteed, but the 2nd position is all to play for with 5 races to go.
Christian Horner made shocking admission about the future of Daniel Ricciardo
Despite the fact that Perez has a contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2024 season, it was speculated that Daniel Ricciardo could replace Sergio Perez for the 2024 season. Earlier this month, Christian Horner put those speculations to bed saying that Perez’s seat is secured until the end of his contract.
However, recent statements and rumors may indicate otherwise. This week, a rumor began suggesting that Sergio Perez is preparing to retire from the sport after this season. This announcement is expected to be held sometime during the week of the Mexican Grand Prix. However, sources close to Sergio Perez have denied it. But this has not stopped these rumors from spreading.
🚨Red Bull has reportedly given Sergio Pérez an ultimatum: if he loses P2 in the championship this year, he will be replaced by Daniel Riccardo in 2024.
[@geglobo] #F1 pic.twitter.com/TkFWV3lpNa
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) October 14, 2023
Apparently, if Sergio Perez is not able to hold on to 2nd place, Red Bull will ask Perez to leave the team. This may cause Sergio Perez to announce his retirement from the sport. In this scenario, Daniel Ricciardo would replace the Mexican driver at Red Bull, while Liam Lawson takes Ricciardo’s seat in AlphaTauri.
But all this is just speculation. It is very much possible that Sergio Perez will drive for Red Bull next season. Do you think Perez should retire from Formula 1 to allow Daniel Ricciardo to take his place at Red Bull? Post your answers in the comment section below.