Daniel Ricciardo Eyes Red Bull Seat, Must Navigate Three Crucial Steps

As the new Formula 1 season unfolds, Daniel Ricciardo finds himself in a position to potentially step into Sergio Perez’s seat at Red Bull, should the Mexican face any setbacks. To secure his fate, the Australian must focus on three key aspects.

Error-Free Performance: 

Ricciardo must keep mistakes to a minimum to bolster his chances of joining Max Verstappen at Red Bull. With the introduction of the budget cap in F1 and the implications of crashes on car development, any errors could prove costly. 

The sport has witnessed instances where drivers faced consequences for accumulating damage costs, making it crucial for Ricciardo to deliver a clean and consistent performance.

Active Role in Car Development: 

AlphaTauri, in its revamped form for the new season, seeks stronger ties with Red Bull for a competitive edge in the midfield. Ricciardo can enhance his candidacy by actively participating in the development of the team’s machinery and contributing to improving its performance. 

This not only benefits AlphaTauri but also signals to Red Bull that Ricciardo is ready to take on a leadership role in managing the challenges posed by Verstappen to his teammates.

Outperforming Teammate Yuki Tsunoda: 

A crucial step in Ricciardo’s journey back to Red Bull is outperforming his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda. While Tsunoda has shown promise, Ricciardo needs to establish himself as the stronger performer. 

Beating Tsunoda in the Drivers’ Championship will be a clear indicator of Ricciardo’s readiness to return to a top-tier team. Disregarding Tsunoda’s potential would be unwise, and Ricciardo must consistently outshine his less-experienced teammate to strengthen his case for a reunion with Red Bull.

Ricciardo’s path to reclaiming a seat at Red Bull hinges on these essential steps, as he navigates the challenges of the F1 season with an eye on securing a prominent role within the powerhouse team.