RB asserts it will make driver call on Daniel Ricciardo after discussing with Red Bull

Laurent Mekies explained crucial decisions related to drivers at RB are taken in a group discussing with bosses and shareholders at Red Bull.

RB asserts it will make driver call on Daniel Ricciardo after discussing with Red Bull

Laurent Mekies and Daniel Ricciardo(via IMAGO)

Red Bull’s sister team, RB is specifically designed to showcase young talents and rookies, providing them a chance to be promoted to the main team. However, Daniel Ricciardo’s performance slump suggests that Red Bull might replace him with another driver. Reserve driver Liam Lawson and F2 rookie Isack Hadjar are potential candidates. Team principal Laurent Mekies stated that the head of the department will make the final decision regarding Ricciardo’s replacement.

RB team principal Laurent Mekies explained that while many people assume one person decides which driver to choose, that is not the case. In any Formula 1 team, a single individual does not make that decision alone, unless they own the team. Even if someone owns the team, they would likely have a team principal who would still want to be involved in the decision-making process. Therefore, Mekies added that choosing a driver involves input from multiple people, even for team owners.

As much as people like to think that it's one guy choosing the drivers, it's never like that, in no team - unless you own the team. And even if you own the team, you probably have a team principal who wants to say something.
Laurent Mekies told RacingNews365
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Mekies clearly stated, choosing who will fill Daniel Ricciardo‘s seat involves a team effort. This decision will not be based on a single individual, the team will come together and discuss the second seat when the time is right. The meeting regarding this decision must include all the key people in the organization. Red Bull will wait until the appropriate moment to have such discussion. Ricciardo hoped to be promoted back to Red Bull, but given the situation, it seems he will drive for RB throughout the season until the next announcement.

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It's never going to be a single individual decision. But we will be discussing together, when the time is right, what we'll do with the second seat as a group
Laurent Mekies added.
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Laurent Mekies claims that crucial decisions must be made under the bosses’ authority.

Mekies mentioned that the team will talk with their bosses, shareholders, and larger Red Bull group deciding on the driver. The 47-year-old highlighted that he’s fortunate to be part of the larger Red Bull family. By involving a range of stakeholders, the team aims to make a well mannered decision that considers different perspectives. Thus, the decision regarding Daniel Ricciardo’s potential replacement can not be made solely by RB.

Daniel Ricciardo
Daniel Ricciardo (via IMAGO)
We will be discussing with our bosses, with the shareholders, with the wider Red Bull family - because we are lucky to be part of the wider Red Bull family - in order to make the driver call.
Laurent Mekies stated

Therefore, Laurent Mekies mentioned that the power of making such decisions lies with higher authorities which are also made collaboratively. For now, the Honey Badger would continue driving for RB at least till the end of 2024.

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