Latest Episode | Cut To The Race Podcast
Yuki Tsunoda believes Alpha Tauri Formula 1 teammate Daniel Ricciardo is the most likely driver to replace under pressure Sergio Perez at Red Bull.
Ricciardo returned as Tsunoda’s teammate at the United States Grand Prix (Image Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images)Ricciardo had already had a stint at Red Bull. The Australian driver was the successor of fellow Australian Mark Webber, joining the team for the 2014 season.
The eight-time Grand Prix winner spent five seasons at the Austrian team, leaving at the end of 2018 for Renault.
Since then, the 34-year-old has performed well at Renault. However, he had a tough two year stint at McLaren, leaving him without a Formula 1 seat for 2023.
Despite that, Ricciardo found his way back in Formula 1, replacing Nyck de Vries for the second half of the season. However, he would break his hand in Zandvoort, leading to Liam Lawson filling into him.
Ricciardo most likely to replace Perez
Perez has a contract with Red Bull up until the end of the 2024 season. However, as it has been seen in the past, the Austrian team can be ruthless with their drivers. This has caused doubt to the Mexican’s future with the team due to his poor performances.
The pressure for the 33-year-old peaked, crashing out on lap one, tangling with Charles Leclerc. Meanwhile, Ricciardo had a stellar weekend, qualifying fourth and bringing the car home in seventh on Sunday.
Tsunoda, however, has never been heavily linked with a move to Red Bull. The Japanese driver was asked by Motorsport.com why this was the case. The AlphaTauri driver responded:
“Daniel has more experience; Daniel has obviously more fans.
“He is [one of the] more trusted drivers. I guess he is [one of the] most valued drivers, so it makes sense.”
Tsunoda, himself, acknowledged that he needs to prove himself to Red Bull. The 23-year-old reckons performing consistently well is the main thing to focus on.
“I just have to show my performance consistently to kind of to show them. Everyone can understand that I can be that contender.
“Checo has next year’s contract so nothing we can do, and I don’t think that you can change anything.
“I just have to now keep showing my results. I think that’s it.”
Tsunoda will be hoping to impress against Ricciardo in the final three rounds (Image Credit: Mark Thompson/Getty Images)Tsunoda praises Ricciardo’s return
The crash in Zandvoort led to Ricciardo missing four races with a fractured wrist. The Australian returned for the United States Grand Prix, where himself and the team struggled.
However, the performance in Mexico had many labelling it as the ‘old’ Ricciardo performance. Tsunoda praised the 34-year-old’s comeback with his “energy” and “style”.
Despite this, Tsunoda still believes that he can outperform Ricciardo in the final three rounds.
“[Daniel] is doing a good job. I think especially he came back from McLaren and he seems very comfortable with the [current AlphaTauri] car, especially compared to previous teams.
“I think he is Red Bull energy, his Red Bull style suits the team maybe.
“But still, I’m not worried that I won’t beat him. I still have the confidence that I can beat him and am still learning from him.”
Feature Image Credit: Rudy Carezzevoli via Getty Images
