Christian Horner breaks silence on Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 future after rumors of being replaced

Christian Horner commented on Daniel Ricciardo's uncertain future at RB.

Christian Horner breaks silence on Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 future after rumors of being replaced

Christian Horner and Daniel Ricciardo (via IMAGO)

Christian Horner expressed his opinions on Daniel Ricciardo’s future in F1 after Helmut Marko indicated he’s going to get replaced in 2025. It is highly likely that a young driver will take Daniel Ricciardo’s seat next season.

Team principal Christian Horner said, that the teams shareholders wants the junior teams to focus on developing young drivers. He explained that Daniel Ricciardo needed to deliver outstanding performances to be considered for a spot on the main Red Bull team. However, they are likely to give the RB seat to someone like Liam Lawson, who fits their goals.

The shareholders have made it clear that it is a junior team and we have to act accordingly. The goal was that [Ricciardo] would be considered for Red Bull Racing with exceptional performances.
Christian Horner said, as reported by PlanetF1.com
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Horner mentioned that Daniel Ricciardo could have been considered for a position on the main Red Bull team, if he had delivered outstanding performances. However, that seat is now taken by Sergio Perez, as Red Bull decided to extend his contract for another two seasons, so this plan is no longer possible. Considering Ricciardo’s current performance, most teams are likely to not sign him for 2025, putting his F1 future at risk. Red Bull confirmed they need young talents in their junior team. Before they sign one, Ricciardo must show exceptional performances to change their minds and save his F1 career.

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That seat now belongs to Sergio Perez, so that plan is no longer valid. We will have to put a young driver in there soon. That would be Liam Lawson.
Christian Horner stated

Christian Horner revealed Yuki Tsunoda will remain at RB

Christian Horner mentioned that Yuki Tsunoda recently said he is still learning a lot from Daniel Ricciardo. Horner explained that it’s part of their job, as instructed by the shareholders, to help develop young drivers. Having experienced drivers in team like Ricciardo can benefit the young talents with his experience and improve their skills. This mentorship is an important part of their mission to develop the next generation of racing talent.

Yuki has just stated that very recently, actually, that he still keeps learning from Daniel and it’s part of our job as as a mission from the shareholders to develop drivers.
Christian Horner stated
Yuki Tsunoda
Yuki Tsunoda(via IMAGO)

Further, Horner stated that the team has decided to confirm Tsunoda as their driver for 2025, which was a crucial decision for the team. Their primary focus remained on enhancing the performance of their car as they approach the summer break. During that period, they intended to have calm discussions internally to plan their strategies moving forward.

We’ve confirmed Yuki, which was very important for us and the focus currently, honestly, as you can tell, is on the car, and to go into the summer break and have a quiet discussion
Christian Horner said

Certainly, Christian Horner hinted that there is a high possibility Ricciardo will lose his seat if he continues to underperform. Red Bull had confirmed their other driver Yuki Tsunoda will remain with the team. Fans are hoping for a strong weekend for RB at the Austrian GP, which is Red Bull’s home race.

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