The 2023 season will mark Daniel Ricciardo’s return to his former team Red Bull, where he got his most success. However, he will not be their starting driver, as he will be behind Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez in the pecking order.
Ricciardo was keen on getting a reserve driver role instead of a starting spot in 2023. The Australian reasoned that he wanted a break from F1, and it wouldn’t have been right if he was racing even next year.
But surely, he is looking forward to a 2023 return. On the other hand, there are already some cracks between Perez and Verstappen after the Brazilian GP. If the chips further fall, we know who would be axed, and Ricciardo could be a key element in limiting Perez’s growing aspirations.
Also read: Lewis Hamilton reveals his sister & mom sees how tiring is his F1 life
Sergio Perez feels no pressure from Daniel Ricciardo
The Mexican race driver was recently asked about this possible threat from Ricciardo’s arrival. He shrugs that possibility and claims he is glad that Ricciardo has returned.
“I’m pretty relaxed,” Perez told Sky Sports. “I mean, we live under a lot of pressure all the time. It doesn’t change anything from my side, I think it’s a great achievement for the team to have a driver like Daniel who will contribute a lot to our team.”
Daniel Ricciardo on rumors that he might replace Sergio Perez 👇
🎙 “There is no seat agreement for 2024 in my contract.” #F1 pic.twitter.com/rjvPoaedsh
— AnythingF1 (@AnythingF1_) December 1, 2022
Perez also reveals that Ricciardo is one of his closest friends in the paddock and around whom he is comfortable. Thus, he doesn’t see any downside in his arrival.
Ricciardo is not even sure about the 2024
Recently, Ricciardo revealed that he is planning a trans-American bike trip. With this trip across the United States, he wishes to have some alone time and think about things in life.
He stated that one of the things he could also decide is whether he wants to even return to F1 in 2024 or not. So if Ricciardo extends his stay or ceases to be an F1 driver, then there is no direct threat to Perez.
Though, as of now, he believes that if he gets a good enough break in 2023, then 2024 would be his return. But his return also depends on who gets to leave his seat in the paddock in 2024.
Meanwhile, for 2023, Ricciardo is keen to have at least one or two odd appearances. He believes that if he wants a drive for 2024, a whole year outside F1 could also backfire.
Also read: Red Bull threw ‘Muhammad Ali’ style counterpunches in 2022, says Ferrari
