Daniel Ricciardo says he thought about the possibility of replacing Sergio Perez at Red Bull for the final 10 races of the 2024 F1 season; watch every session from the Dutch GP live on Sky Sports F1, with first practice on Friday at 11.30am
Thursday 22 August 2024 16:29, UK
Daniel Ricciardo has admitted he thought it was possible he would replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull for the remainder of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner released a statement at the start of the summer break to confirm Perez would continue as Max Verstappen's team-mate from this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix - live on Sky Sports F1.
Perez, who signed a new two-year deal with Red Bull earlier this season, came under increasing pressure before the four-week break as he had finished no better than seventh since the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in May and suffered four Q1 eliminations.
With Yuki Tsunoda seemingly not in favour to move up to Red Bull and Ricciardo showing some good performances at the same time as Perez's difficult results, many people thought the Australian would be promoted to the main team for the final 10 races this year.
"I didn't rule it out," said Ricciardo on the possibility of replacing Perez. "I thought maybe something could happen but I also didn't expect it or get my hopes up.
"I was aware 'maybe something changes', but I just thought: 'Do what I'm doing and if I get a call, I get a call.' I didn't get a call but that's what I mentally prepared myself for."
Ricciardo, who does not have a contract for next year, has made it clear that he wants to return to Red Bull.
The Red Bull situation is complicated by Liam Lawson, who will "certainly" be in one of the Red Bull or RB cars next year, according to team advisor Helmut Marko.
That means one of Perez, Ricciardo or Tsunoda will be left without a seat in the Red Bull family in 2025.
"I have every opportunity in front of me and that's the beauty, it's up to me," Ricciardo told Sky Sports F1. "Yes, there is always pressure from myself, and that of the Red Bull system, but I know if I do a job, I will have a seat and somewhere to race."
Ricciardo and Lawson tested the 2024 RB car at Imola during the summer break.
Lawson has been on the sidelines this year as a reserve driver, despite impressing in the five race weekends he substituted for Ricciardo at AlphaTauri, now called RB, last year.
"I got to see Liam drive the car last year and I think he did a great job and is worthy of a seat on the grid," said Ricciardo.
"In a way, I'm happy for him. If he's guaranteed a seat on the grid next year, that's good because he is a deserving driver.
"What that means for me is probably a bit unknown but if I perform, they will find a spot for me somewhere!"
Red Bull could still, theoretically, make a driver change this season if they feel it's needed to help their championship chances.
While Verstappen leads Lando Norris by 78 points in the driver standings, Red Bull are only 42 points in front McLaren in the Constructors' Championship.
Perez revealed the meeting he held with the team after the Belgian Grand Prix was "all about the performance" and that he's "fully committed to Red Bull to turn things around".
"It's important for us to focus on the next 10 races," Perez told Sky Sports F1.
"I said what I wanted to say about my future in Belgium. There's a lot to win and lose. Head down. It's been a good break for the team. We have been able to find out a lot of problems that we have been chasing lately.
"I want to deliver. I know I can turn around my season and I always say, my season will only matter on where I finish in Abu Dhabi. I have 10 races to turn it around, get some strong results and finish the season on a high. That starts here."
In June, Tsunoda was confirmed to stay at RB for 2025 but also needs to continue his solid season, knowing one driver will miss out on a seat next year.
The Japanese driver also refused to comment on speculation about the future of Red Bull's drivers.
"It's the same thing as the last three years," he said. "If you want to prove not just to Red Bull but to other teams. So those things is just the same, same as usual.
"I mean, there's a lot of speculation, but... The things I'll do are the same and it's not in my control anyway. I'll try my best and I'll focus on what I can do and what I can focus."
Friday August 23
9.05am: F1 Academy: Practice One
11am: Dutch GP Practice One (session starts 11.30am)
2.45pm: Dutch GP Practice Two (session starts 3pm)
4.25pm: F1 Academy: Practice Two
5.15pm: The F1 Show
Saturday August 24
9.10am: F1 Academy: Qualifying
10.15am: Dutch GP Practice Three (session starts 10.30am)
1pm: Dutch GP Qualifying build-up
2pm: DUTCH GP QUALIFYING
4pm: F1 Academy: Race One
Sunday August 25
9.40am: F1 Academy: Race Two
12:30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Dutch GP build-up
2pm: The DUTCH GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag: Dutch GP reaction
Formula 1 returns after the summer break with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership - No contract, cancel anytime.
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