Is it time for RB to give Daniel Ricciardo the Nyck de Vries treatment?

Daniel Ricciardo returned to Formula 1 with AlphaTauri (now VisaCashAppRB) mid-way through 2023 to replace Nyck de Vries. The Australian driver managed to show promising pace on his comeback despite missing a few rounds due to a wrist injury. However, things have become more difficult for Ricciardo this season.

The 8-time race winner has consistently been outperformed by teammate Yuki Tsunoda this season. Moreover, Daniel Ricciardo’s first lap crash in the Japanese GP added salt in the wounds of the Australian. While Ricciardo continues to disappoint with his underwhelming results, Tsunoda has grown as a driver who has scored RB’s only points so far this year.

Daniel Ricciardo has admitted that he does not understand the reason for his struggles this year. The Australian driver has been asking questions to the team to be back in the game. However, RB has a history of losing patience with its drivers in light of poor performances.

Daniel Ricciardo’s RB seat a trial for Red Bull promotion

It is no secret that Red Bull is evaluating its options to replace Sergio Perez next season. Daniel Ricciardo would be the ideal candidate to partner Max Verstappen considering his previous stint at Milton Keynes. Moreover, Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner is believed to be a strong supporter of the Australian.

If the 34-year-old cannot even outperform Yuki Tsunoda at the Red Bull sister team, Milton Keynes would be in no position to promote the Australian driver. Red Bull had hoped to see Daniel Ricciardo back from his race-winning days at RB this season. However, this has been far from the case.

As such, Ricciardo’s failure in proving himself as a worthy contender to replace Sergio Perez negates the whole reason for his place at RB. Although, Daniel Ricciardo does bring immense commercial benefits to the team based on his public image and large fanbase.

Red Bull is known for its cut-throat approach

Red Bull has been infamous for pulling the plug on drivers within a short timespan. Over the years, the likes of Daniil Kvyat, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon have all been sacked or demoted from Milton Keynes. This trend is worse for its sister team, including the sacking of former Formula E world champion Nyck de Vries after just ten races.

Daniel Ricciardo is on borrowed time. There are no doubts that the Australian driver will face pressure from within RB and Milton Keynes. Previously, there were rumors about a two-race ultimatum for the 34-year-old to bounce back.

So far RB has continued to back Ricciardo publicly, a rather different approach compared to its past. However, the 34-year-old performances are no where close to what the team expected this season. Red Bull Motorsport Consultant Dr. Helmut Marko has urged the Australian to step up his results to secure his future on the grid.

RB can’t afford to lose Liam Lawson

Previously, Red Bull had faced a shortage of drivers to fill its four seats in F1. Milton Keynes had to sign Sergio Perez to partner Max Verstappen as its first driver from outside its driver camp since Mark Webber. Moreover, Nyck de Vries was backed by Mercedes when he was called up to fill the shoes of Alpine-bound Pierre Gasly last season.

However, Red Bull no longer has such a problem. On the contrary, Milton Keynes needs to find a place for Liam Lawson. The Kiwi driver impressed the entire paddock during his short stint last season. Moreover, Lawson has made it clear that he would be open to rival teams if RB does not give him a seat in the foreseeable future.

Liam Lawson is one of the most exciting young talents outside the F1 grid. The 22-year-old has shown signs of being a future world champion. Red Bull could have Lawson as its ideal teammate to Max Verstappen in a couple of years. The Kiwi driver could even take the reign from the Dutchman if Verstappen decides to leave Milton Keynes or the sport entirely.

Daniel Ricciardo remains convinced that he can turn things around this season. Despite a slow start, it seems that the 34-year-old has enough support to motivate him for better results. However, considering the current situation in the Red Bull family, unless Ricciardo makes an incredible recovery in the next couple of races, it might be too little too late.

In case you missed it:

• Why F1’s push in the US only looks good on the balance sheet
• Did Fernando Alonso sabotage his own F1 career by playing politics?

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW