- Ricciardo in frame to replace Perez at Red Bull
Daniel Ricciardo could replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull should the Mexican’s form not improve.
- Perez is under increasing pressure as he experiences a mid-season slump.
After four podium appearances in the opening five races, the 34-year-old hasn’t finished in the top three since the Chinese Grand Prix.
He’s retired twice in the six events since; seventh in last weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix was his best finish since
That run has seen him tumble to fifth in the drivers’ championship, just six points clear of , as Racing comes under increasing pressure from a resurgent McLaren
A report by German publication Auto Motor und Sport has now claimed that, should Perez’s form not improve, he could be axed
With Ricciardo looking to have steadied the ship after a rough start to the season, that could open the door for the Australian to return to the senior team.
The report cites “strict performance clauses” that apply to both drivers and quotes Red Bull motorsport advisor Dr saying “We’ll know more by the summer break.”
Speedcafe verified that report with sources at Red Bull Racing, who reinforced Marko’s comments, and that the point where a decision was necessary has not yet been reached.
Ricciardo has signalled a return to Red Bull Racing as his end goal for his comeback.
That saw him placed at RB as a means to evaluate the now-35-year-old in a low-risk environment.