Ricciardo vs. Perez
Daniel Ricciardo is back with the F1 team where he achieved his greatest success: Red Bull Racing. The Australian has been brought in as a test driver and, according to Red Bull CEO Helmut Marko, there is no extra intention behind it with a view to Sergio Pérez.
After some disappointing years at Renault and especially at McLaren, Daniel Ricciardo will no longer be on the F1 grid next year. He does return to the Red Bull team for a role as a ‘third driver’, so he stays close to the fire. In fact, according to Red Bull F1 CEO Helmut Marko, Ricciardo will take over the wheel if Max Verstappen or Sergio Pérez is unable to drive in a race weekend for one reason or another. The Austrian says this in an interview with Service TV. So he can still have a little hope for action on the track.
Whether the 33-year-old can also hope for a return to the ‘real thing’ as a regular driver at Red Bull? Never say never. According to Marko, however, it is not the case that Sergio Pérez should fear for his place now that Ricciardo is in the wings. “Sergio Pérez has shown that he drives at a very high level. If Max is not there, Sergio will be there. If a replacement is needed, then of course there is a driver (Ricciardo, ed.) Who you know he will bring the car to the finish. But it is not our intention to put pressure on Sergio.” Pérez still has a contract with Red Bull until 2024.
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl