Red Bull Racing shatters Daniel Ricciardo's dream to partner Verstappen for 2025, Sergio Perez likely to retain his seat

Amid the ongoing preparation for the Monaco Grand Prix at Monte Carlo, Red Bull Racing has reportedly decided to continue with Sergio Perez as Max Verstappen’s teammate for the upcoming season. In a surprising move, the team has offered a one-year extension deal to Perez who knocked it off with at least a two-year contract. 

However, this is very likely that both parties will find a way and will surely sign a deal. Now, this has raised concerns for RB drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo. Both drivers from Red Bull’s junior team were looking for a place at the senior team but Perez’s retainment will leave them without a contract. 

This potential decision has impacted Ricciardo the most. He seemed to gain an advantage in the competition by eliminating Perez from Q3 during qualifying at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix last weekend, but it ultimately amounted to nothing. Williams drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz have also been mentioned as potential replacements for Perez. 

What’s next for Daniel Ricciardo?

Daniel Ricciardo is under contract with the Red Bull sister team until the end of the 2024 season, but he might start searching for a new team if his aspiration to partner with Verstappen doesn't come to fruition.

Notably, his only hope to get a seat at Red Bull will be the Team’s chief advisor Helmut Marko. Marco has been keen to not offer a multiyear extension deal to Sergio Perez. Last month he had said that if a team offers Perez a long-term deal, he will ‘slacken off’.

“Everything is an option. Our team is currently working very well. If Perez has a secure contract for two years, there is a risk that he will slack off.” Marko said last month. Speaking about his future in F1 Sergio Perez never looked uncomfortable. 

Last month he had said, “I am pretty relaxed about it, it is my 14th season in F1. Whatever comes next, I am pleased with what I’ve done in the sport so far. I believe it will be a matter of time and the driver market is moving and in the next few weeks, there will be a lot of movement for sure. I expect to know within a month what I am doing next year.”