Yuki Tsunoda explains why Daniel Ricciardo is tipped over him as the favorite to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull

Yuki Tsunoda gave his thoughts on why the Honey Badger is the preferred Alpha Tauri driver to potentially move up to the Red Bull seat in 2024.

Yuki Tsunoda explains why Daniel Ricciardo is tipped over him as the favorite to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull

Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo (Via IMAGO)

Sergio Perez is contracted to drive for Red Bull in 2024. Still, rumors are floating around the paddock that the Mexican driver will be replaced by the world champion team next season if he loses 2nd in the championship. Daniel Ricciardo is the favorite for a potential switch after a smashing comeback with Alpha Tauri, scoring 6 points in his first race back from a wrist injury recovery.

Red Bull has a history of replacing drivers mid-season, with Pierre Gasly in Red Bull and Nyck de Vries with Alpha Tauri in 2023. Perez has been with the team for three years, joining the squad in 2021. Ricciardo is driving in Red Bull’s sister team, AlphaTauri, but his teammate Yuki Tsunoda has rarely come up in debates on who will replace Perez. Tsunoda attributed the support for Daniel to the Australian’s style, energy, and experience as “suiting the team.”

I think especially he came back from McLaren and he seems very comfortable with the [current AlphaTauri] car, especially compared to previous teams. I think he is Red Bull energy, his Red Bull style suits the team maybe. But still, I'm not worried that I won't beat him. I still have the confidence that I can beat him and am still learning from him.
Yuki Tsunoda said, as reported by motorsport.com

Tsunoda has been with Alpha Tauri since his rookie season in 2021, while Ricciardo had also driven for the Faenza team in the past when it was named Toro Rosso before its rebrand. Ricciardo is an 8-time Grand Prix winner, winning seven races with Red Bull. Ricciardo remains Verstappen’s only teammate to outscore the Dutchman, achieving the feat in 2017.

Yuki Tsunoda canceled everything and contemplated after the Mexico GP mistake

Yuki Tsunoda was on course to earn Alpha Tauri their first double points finish of the season, chasing Oscar Piastri for sixth place in the Mexico City Grand Prix. However, a huge mistake cost him his entire race as he tried an overtake Piastri into turn one and spun out. 

Q 1699026308

The mistake cost Alpha Tauri a lot of ground to attack Williams for seventh in the championship, which would have been extremely valuable for the team. Tsunoda’s teammate Daniel Ricciardo did finish 7th and earned the Italian team six points. Tsunoda said his ruined race made him cancel most of his plans after the race and regret a potential P5 finish.

I was having a good race until the…I actually cancelled everything and just stayed in the room. It was a big moment, and it was an opportunity… P5 was definitely possible.
Tsunoda as reported by crash.net

Tsunoda said he only celebrates after a good race and, therefore, could not indulge in such festivities after the Mexico GP. Tsunoda has outscored all his teammates so far this season, though none of them partook in all the races on the calendar. Daniel Ricciardo is in 17th place in the championship, 2 points behind the Japanese driver in 16th. The Australian will challenge to move further up the table after exhibiting good form post-recovery from his wrist injury.

In case you missed it: