F1 pundit claims Christian Horner ‘protecting’ Daniel Ricciardo from getting axed at RB

Daniel Ricciardo could continue his stint at RB courtesy of Christian Horner's support.

F1 pundit claims Christian Horner ‘protecting’ Daniel Ricciardo from getting axed at RB

Christian Horner (L), Daniel Ricciardo (R) (images via IMAGO)

Daniel Ricciardo has been facing a hard time in scoring good results at RB. The 34-year-old driver is often considered to be ‘out of his prime’ in regards to his recent performances. However, Ricciardo continues to drive at the pinnacle of motorsport despite other better options available for the Red Bull family. Hence, amidst this, F1 pundit Andrew Benson reckoned that Christian Horner was the reason behind Ricciardo’s overstay at Red Bull family.

Yuki Tsunoda has performed much better than Daniel Ricciardo at RB ever since the 2024 season began. However, Tsunoda is considering a move out of RB due to no chance of promotion to Red Bull Racing. Ricciardo would continue at RB despite woeful performances in recent times. Hence, Andrew Benson claimed that the Aussie was ‘protected’ by Christian Horner in the Red Bull family. Additionally, the 34-year-old is safe from the risk of being replaced by Liam Lawson for the foreseeable future.

At the moment, though, Ricciardo is protected by [Red Bull] team principal Christian Horner, sources say, and is safe for now from being replaced by reserve Liam Lawson.
Andrew Benson told bbc.co.uk.
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Apart from this, speaking over Tsunoda’s chances of promotion to Red Bull, Benson claimed that there was nothing the Japanese driver could do. RB would favor Ricciardo over the youngster in the team due to the former’s PR positivity. The bosses at Red Bull family simply did not rate the Japanese driver high enough to consider him for a promotion.

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The impression from the outside is that there is absolutely nothing Tsunoda can do to be considered for a seat at Red Bull – the bosses simply do not rate him highly enough.
Andrew Benson added.

Andrew Benson claims RB could have a Liam Lawson lined up with Daniel Ricciardo next year

Yuki Tsunoda’s exit might see Liam Lawson receive a seat at RB after his short but impressive debut with the team in 2023. Lawson is the best option available for RB after Tsunoda departs from the team. However, the team had previously highlighted that they were ‘happy’ with their current drivers’ lineup at RB in the ongoing season.

Christian Horner and Daniel Ricciardo (via IMAGO)
Christian Horner and Daniel Ricciardo (via IMAGO)

Regardless, this didn’t mean that Tsunoda wasn’t going to leave the team. Hence, in this case, Benson guessed that Lawson would join Ricciardo at RB. Andrew Benson also pointed out the fact that this scenario would only be possible if Tsunoda leaves RB. Also, Horner would have to keep his focus on Tsunoda and not any other contingency.

It is not hard to imagine a Lawson and Ricciardo line-up at RB in 2025, though, if Horner does not shift his stance and Tsunoda moves elsewhere.
Andrew Benson concluded.

Daniel Ricciardo would have to start scoring appreciable results to start receiving praise for his performances. The Aussie driver needs support from the fans as well over Horner’s alleged favoritism. Ricciardo must step his game up and give tough competition to Yuki Tsunoda at RB.

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