As the F1 driver market continues to offer surprises, Daniel Ricciardo is set to be a point of continuity at VCARB. Despite the team’s history of being cut-throat with its drivers, the traditional environment at Faenza has changed. Christian Horner is happy to keep the Australian in the team, with the Red Bull team principal ultimately holding the final say.
Initially, Ricciardo’s return to Formula 1 was seen as a stepping stone to a Red Bull seat. The knee-jerk decision to replace Nyck de Vries was motivated by Red Bull’s belief that Ricciardo could become a viable teammate for Verstappen.
However, things can change drastically in a year.
TSUNODA SHINES, PEREZ AND RICCIARDO CLING ON
On the one hand, Sergio Perez is still not performing at the required level for Red Bull. Since McLaren and Ferrari’s upgrades, the Mexican driver has failed to be a significant factor at the front. His qualifying form is questionable at best, and his race pace is not significantly better.
In theory, these conditions would be perfect for Ricciardo to put himself forward as a Red Bull candidate. Unfortunately for the Australian, this has not been the case. He is slower than teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who has had a considerable edge all season.
After the first few rounds, Ricciardo suggested that something was fundamentally wrong with his VCARB 01. This was the only way he could rationalise the deficit to his teammate. With 8 race weekends completed, though, there are no more excuses left.
Tsunoda is performing at the higher level, even if he won’t be rewarded for it by the Red Bull hierarchy.
RICCIARDO’S POSITION AT VCARB IS SECURE
When Daniel Ricciardo first joined McLaren three and a half years ago, hardly anyone would suggest he would be content at Red Bull’s second team. However, following a disappointing few years for the Australian, this is now the case.
Although staying at Faenza is not his indefinite goal, the 8-time race winner is content to stay in the team in 2025.
He remains hopeful that he is capable of performing at the highest level, irrespective of his results. Traditionally, Red Bull would not entertain someone in their mid-thirties taking up a seat that one of their young drivers could have.
Nevertheless, this seems to be the reality at Red Bull. It is understood that Christian Horner still wants the 34-year-old in the team, even if Helmut Marko would prefer giving someone else an opportunity. There is no shortage of talent for the reigning Champions to promote. Liam Lawson and Ayumu Iwasa are among their options.
For now, though, both Red Bull and VCARB’s senior personnel want to keep Ricciardo. For various reasons, including potentially commercial ones, Ricciardo’s place on the F1 grid is safe for now.
