Red Bull Formula 1 team principal Christian Horner asserts that Daniel Ricciardo’s potential comeback to the team is dependent on his own performance, but emphasizes that he must demonstrate exceptional skills. Ricciardo, who was let go by McLaren at the end of 2022, was given another chance in F1 with Red Bull’s affiliated team, formerly known as AlphaTauri, in the middle of last year. However, his return has been marred by a broken metacarpal from a crash at Zandvoort, and he has yet to score a point in the first five races of this season, trailing behind his teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who has accumulated seven points so far. Ricciardo acknowledged in China last week that he must prioritize delivering results with the rebranded RB team before considering a potential return to Red Bull. He explained that his focus is not currently on moving up, but rather on getting his season on track and proving himself once again. While there is a desire to turn things around, there is no overwhelming pressure to demonstrate his abilities, as the team is already aware of his capabilities. The key now is to translate that potential into tangible results.
Christian Horner, the Team Principal of Red Bull, has been a strong supporter of Daniel Ricciardo’s return and has stood by him during his recent struggles on the Formula 1 circuit. While Horner has acknowledged that Sergio Perez is the favored candidate to partner with Max Verstappen, he has also revealed that Ricciardo’s fate largely depends on his own performance. Horner emphasized that Ricciardo needs to demonstrate exceptional skills that catch the attention not only of Red Bull but also of other teams.
In addition, Horner has hinted that Yuki Tsunoda, who has expressed his desire to move up the ranks within Red Bull, could potentially be considered for a position in the senior team. Horner emphasized that they closely monitor the progress and development of their drivers, particularly highlighting Tsunoda’s impressive performance in the current season. As a sister team, Red Bull maintains a keen interest in the performance of their drivers.
The decision regarding Ricciardo and Tsunoda will undoubtedly have an impact on Liam Lawson, who substituted for Ricciardo in five rounds last year. Horner acknowledged the talent of Lawson and his eagerness to seize an opportunity. However, he made it clear that there are no predetermined plans or timelines for Lawson’s promotion. The priority remains on the drivers currently occupying the race seats, and the team will assess the situation as it unfolds.