Daniel Ricciardo has admitted he thought it was potential he would exchange Sergio Perez at Crimson Bull for the rest of the 2024 Method 1 season.
Crimson Bull group principal Christian Horner launched an announcement initially of the summer time break to verify Perez would proceed as Max Verstappen’s team-mate from this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix – dwell on Sky Sports activities F1.
Perez, who signed a brand new two-year take care of Crimson Bull earlier this season, got here beneath rising strain earlier than the four-week break as he had completed no higher than seventh for the reason that Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Might and suffered 4 Q1 eliminations.
With Yuki Tsunoda seemingly not in favour to maneuver as much as Crimson Bull and Ricciardo displaying some good performances concurrently Perez’s troublesome outcomes, many individuals thought the Australian could be promoted to the primary group for the ultimate 10 races this 12 months.
“I did not rule it out,” mentioned Ricciardo on the potential for changing Perez. “I believed perhaps one thing may occur however I additionally did not count on it or get my hopes up.
“I used to be conscious ‘perhaps one thing modifications’, however I simply thought: ‘Do what I am doing and if I get a name, I get a name.’ I did not get a name however that is what I mentally ready myself for.”
Ricciardo: Lawson deserves F1 seat
Ricciardo, who doesn’t have a contract for subsequent 12 months, has made it clear that he desires to return to Crimson Bull.
The Crimson Bull state of affairs is sophisticated by Liam Lawson, who will “definitely” be in one of many Crimson Bull or RB automobiles subsequent 12 months, based on group advisor Helmut Marko.
Meaning certainly one of Perez, Ricciardo or Tsunoda might be left with no seat within the Crimson Bull household in 2025.
“I’ve each alternative in entrance of me and that is the wonder, it is as much as me,” Ricciardo informed Sky Sports activities F1. “Sure, there’s at all times strain from myself, and that of the Crimson Bull system, however I do know if I do a job, I’ll have a seat and someplace to race.”
Ricciardo and Lawson examined the 2024 RB automobile at Imola in the course of the summer time break.
Lawson has been on the sidelines this 12 months as a reserve driver, regardless of impressing within the 5 race weekends he substituted for Ricciardo at AlphaTauri, now known as RB, final 12 months.
“I received to see Liam drive the automobile final 12 months and I feel he did an incredible job and is worthy of a seat on the grid,” mentioned Ricciardo.
“In a approach, I am blissful for him. If he is assured a seat on the grid subsequent 12 months, that is good as a result of he’s a deserving driver.
“What meaning for me might be a bit unknown but when I carry out, they may discover a spot for me someplace!”
Sky Sports activities F1’s dwell Dutch GP schedule
Friday August 239.05am: F1 Academy: Follow One11am: Dutch GP Follow One (session begins 11.30am)2.45pm: Dutch GP Follow Two (session begins 3pm)4.25pm: F1 Academy: Follow Two5.15pm: The F1 Present
Saturday August 249.10am: F1 Academy: Qualifying10.15am: Dutch GP Follow Three (session begins 10.30am)1pm: Dutch GP Qualifying build-up2pm: DUTCH GP QUALIFYING4pm: F1 Academy: Race One
Sunday August 259.40am: F1 Academy: Race Two12:30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Dutch GP build-up2pm: The DUTCH GRAND PRIX4pm: Chequered Flag: Dutch GP response
Method 1 returns after the summer time break with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort this weekend, dwell on Sky Sports activities F1. Stream each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime.
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