Ricciardo handed future BOOST as 'replacement'

Ricciardo handed future BOOST as ‘replacement’ tipped for Red Bull…read more.

Daniel Ricciardo could soon find himself with a new opportunity in Formula 1, as rumors circulate that his supposed replacement, Liam Lawson, is already being tipped for a major promotion to Red Bull’s senior team. The speculation follows Ricciardo’s appearance at the Singapore Grand Prix, which many pundits believe could be his last race for Red Bull’s sister team, Visa Cash App AlphaTauri.

Respected voices in the paddock, including former Formula 1 drivers Ralf Schumacher and Martin Brundle, have suggested that Lawson is set to take over Ricciardo’s seat. The Australian driver, who has spent much of his 13-year career within the Red Bull family, may face an early exit from AlphaTauri, with a mid-season replacement expected to be announced ahead of the US Grand Prix in Austin.

Lawson, a 22-year-old rising star, has impressed many within the Formula 1 community since stepping in for Ricciardo while the Australian recovered from an injury earlier in the season. His performances have caught the attention of Red Bull’s management, and there is growing speculation that Lawson could be in contention for a seat at the senior Red Bull team alongside Max Verstappen in 2025. This scenario could see Ricciardo regain his spot at AlphaTauri if Lawson moves up the ranks.

Former Formula 1 driver and current Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle weighed in on the situation, noting that Red Bull has been closely monitoring Lawson’s development. “They’re giving Lawson a shot, and if he continues to impress, he could be in line for a bigger role next season,” Brundle said. He added that Red Bull’s senior team is always on the lookout for talent capable of supporting or even challenging Max Verstappen, and Lawson’s recent performances have shown he might be ready for that role.

Ralf Schumacher, who has also commented on the situation, echoed Brundle’s sentiments. He believes that Lawson’s potential promotion could have significant implications for Ricciardo’s future. “If Lawson does well and is deemed a suitable candidate for the senior Red Bull team, Ricciardo could be handed another opportunity at AlphaTauri,” Schumacher said.

This could provide a much-needed lifeline for Ricciardo, who rejoined the Red Bull family earlier this season after a difficult period at McLaren. His return to AlphaTauri was seen by many as a chance to rebuild his career and potentially earn another shot at the senior Red Bull team. However, Lawson’s strong performances have put Ricciardo’s position under threat.

While Ricciardo’s future remains uncertain, another driver facing scrutiny within the Red Bull camp is Sergio Perez. The Mexican driver, who is currently Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull Racing, has struggled for consistency in recent races. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, including moments where he challenged Verstappen for wins earlier in the season, Perez has seen a significant drop in form.

Perez’s performance decline has led to speculation about his future with the team, with some suggesting that Red Bull could replace him at the end of the season. Brundle believes that the team is giving Perez a chance to prove himself until the end of the current campaign, but his position may be reviewed for 2024. “It’s so strange with Perez because we all know he’s a good driver. At times, he was actually challenging Max for the world championship, even last year. Now he’s somehow just dropped so far back. It’s very strange,” Brundle said.

This situation has further fueled rumors about Lawson’s potential promotion. If the young driver continues to perform at a high level, he could be considered as a replacement for Perez in the senior Red Bull team. This would open the door for Ricciardo to return to AlphaTauri, potentially extending his career in Formula 1.

In the meantime, Ricciardo will be hoping for another chance to prove himself at AlphaTauri, while Perez will be under pressure to deliver stronger performances in the final races of the season. Red Bull’s driver lineup for 2024 and beyond remains a topic of much speculation, with Lawson’s future at the heart of the conversation.

As the Formula 1 season progresses, all eyes will be on Red Bull’s decision-making process, with Ricciardo, Lawson, and Perez all facing uncertain futures.