Driving for Red Bull in Formula One means playing the role of well-behaved number two to the omnipotent Max Verstappen. But of course the cockpit is still very much in demand. After all, you’re always up front in the Bull instead of somewhere in no-man’s-land, and you have the chance to grab a win or two if Verstappen falters or fails. According to one F1 insider, one driver in particular has high hopes.
Red Bull Racing, one of the giants of Formula 1, reached a major crossroads in 2023. The team has been at the centre of widespread speculation over its future driver line-up, particularly over who would best complement Max Verstappen.
Although both Verstappen and Sergio Perez finished in the top two in the Drivers’ Championship, their respective seasons told very different stories, sparking debates within the team about the optimal partner for Verstappen in the races to come. As the team evaluates its options, insiders point to a familiar face as a potential key player in the team’s future: Daniel Ricciardo.
Max Verstappen’s performance in the 2023 season was nothing short of extraordinary. He secured his third consecutive world championship with an incredible tally of 19 wins in 22 races. Verstappen’s command of the season was evident in his skill and consistent dominance on track, a testament to his status as one of the top drivers in Formula 1.
Perez’s inconsistent performance
In contrast, Sergio Perez’s season was marked by inconsistency despite his runner-up finish. The Mexican made a promising start with two wins and a second place in the first five races, raising expectations of a strong season. After the Monaco Grand Prix, however, Perez’s performance took a significant downturn. He struggled in qualifying, often failing to make it into Q3, and his race finishes began to dwindle, allowing rivals such as Lewis Hamilton to threaten his position in the championship standings.
READ MORE: Vasseur not concerned by critical comments from Ferrari HQ
The statistic that highlights the gap
The gap between Verstappen and Perez was highlighted by a statistic from Canadian statistician Daniel Valente. Valente noted that in the 2023 season, Verstappen led more laps than Perez finished in the top 10.
Specifically, while Verstappen led 1003 laps, Perez finished 974 laps in the top 10. This stark contrast not only underlines Verstappen’s supremacy, but also highlights Perez’s struggles, particularly in qualifying.
Ricciardo: A front-runner for Red Bull’s second seat
Daniel Ricciardo, an experienced driver with a history at Red Bull, is emerging as a leading candidate for the second seat alongside Verstappen. Writing for the series’ official website, F1 journalist Lawrence Barretto suggests that Ricciardo currently tops the board’s list of possible replacements.
This possibility depends on Ricciardo rediscovering his best form in 2024, reminiscent of his peak performances in 2018.
The role of the second driver at Red Bull
Driving for Red Bull, especially as the second driver to a dominant figure like Verstappen, is a position fraught with challenges and expectations.
The role is often perceived as that of a supportive teammate, yet it offers the opportunity to be consistently at the front of the grid, with the chance to secure wins in the right circumstances.
Perez’s future: A balancing act
Sergio Perez, who currently occupies the second seat at Red Bull, remains part of the equation. Despite speculation about his future, team boss Christian Horner has hinted that Perez could remain with Red Bull if he can close the gap on Verstappen and improve in qualifying. This puts Perez’s performance next season in the spotlight.
Aside from Ricciardo, Red Bull have several potential candidates within their ranks, including Yuki Tsunoda and reserve driver Liam Lawson. Lawson, in particular, has received high praise from team advisor Helmut Marko, who has guaranteed him a cockpit in 2025.
The decision on Lawson’s placement, whether with Red Bull or AlphaTauri (the Red Bull junior team), remains uncertain.
Christian Horner questions Toto Wolff’s commitment
The impact of Ricciardo’s return
Ricciardo’s potential return to Red Bull would be a strategic move. His experience and past successes with the team, including his internal duels with Sebastian Vettel and later Verstappen, make him a viable option for the number two role. As a seasoned driver, Ricciardo brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of competitiveness.
The 2024 season is crucial for drivers like Perez, Ricciardo and Tsunoda. They will need to perform at the highest level to secure their positions within the Red Bull family. For Ricciardo, finding his best form could cement his return to Red Bull, where he previously demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level.
Marko addresses Red Bull problems following FIA crash test faillure
Bottom line
As Red Bull Racing considers its future line-up, the focus will be on finding the right balance to complement Verstappen’s driving style and the team’s strategic objectives. Daniel Ricciardo’s potential return to Red Bull is not just a reunion, but a strategic move in the ever-competitive world of Formula One.
The team’s decision will be a key factor in its quest to maintain its dominant position in the sport, underlining the importance of team dynamics and driver synergy in Formula One.
MORE F1 NEWS: Verstappen ditched by sponsor
Max Verstappen is the hottest property in Formula One. Including bonuses he is even paid more than the once time king of the F1 cash hill Lewis Hamilton.
Since the days of his childhood, Verstappen has been sponsored by Dutch supermarket chain Jumbo but all that has now come to an end. The chain of supermarkets owned by the…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
