Daniel Ricciardo: RB driver admits he thought changing Sergio Perez at Crimson Bull might occur at Dutch GP

Daniel Ricciardo has admitted he thought it was attainable he would change Sergio Perez at Crimson Bull for the rest of the 2024 Components 1 season.

Crimson Bull workforce principal Christian Horner launched an announcement firstly of the summer time break to verify Perez would proceed as Max Verstappen’s team-mate from this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix – reside on Sky Sports activities F1.

Perez, who signed a brand new two-year cope with Crimson Bull earlier this season, got here below growing strain earlier than the four-week break as he had completed no higher than seventh because the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Could and suffered 4 Q1 eliminations.

With Yuki Tsunoda seemingly not in favour to maneuver as much as Crimson Bull and Ricciardo exhibiting some good performances concurrently Perez’s tough outcomes, many individuals thought the Australian can be promoted to the primary workforce for the ultimate 10 races this yr.

“I didn’t rule it out,” stated Ricciardo on the potential for changing Perez. “I assumed possibly one thing might occur however I additionally did not count on it or get my hopes up.

“I was aware ‘maybe something changes’, but I just thought: ‘Do what I’m doing and if I get a call, I get a call.’ I didn’t get a call but that’s what I mentally prepared myself for.”

Ricciardo: Lawson deserves F1 seat

Ricciardo, who doesn’t have a contract for subsequent yr, has made it clear that he desires to return to Crimson Bull.

The Crimson Bull scenario is difficult by Liam Lawson, who will “certainly” be in one of many Crimson Bull or RB vehicles subsequent yr, in line with workforce advisor Helmut Marko.

Meaning one in every of Perez, Ricciardo or Tsunoda will likely be left with out a seat within the Crimson Bull household in 2025.

“I have every opportunity in front of me and that’s the beauty, it’s up to me,” Ricciardo instructed Sky Sports activities F1. “Yes, there is always pressure from myself, and that of the Red Bull system, but I know if I do a job, I will have a seat and somewhere to race.”

Ricciardo and Lawson examined the 2024 RB automotive at Imola throughout the summer time break.

Lawson has been on the sidelines this yr as a reserve driver, regardless of impressing within the 5 race weekends he substituted for Ricciardo at AlphaTauri, now referred to as RB, final yr.

“I got to see Liam drive the car last year and I think he did a great job and is worthy of a seat on the grid,” stated Ricciardo.

“In a way, I’m happy for him. If he’s guaranteed a seat on the grid next year, that’s good because he is a deserving driver.

“What which means for me might be a bit unknown but when I carry out, they’ll discover a spot for me someplace!”

Sky Sports activities F1’s reside Dutch GP schedule

Friday August 23
9.05am: F1 Academy: Observe One
11am: Dutch GP Observe One (session begins 11.30am)
2.45pm: Dutch GP Observe Two (session begins 3pm)
4.25pm: F1 Academy: Observe Two
5.15pm: The F1 Present

Saturday August 24
9.10am: F1 Academy: Qualifying
10.15am: Dutch GP Observe Three (session begins 10.30am)
1pm: Dutch GP Qualifying build-up
2pm: DUTCH GP QUALIFYING
4pm: F1 Academy: Race One

Sunday August 25
9.40am: F1 Academy: Race Two
12:30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Dutch GP build-up
2pm: The DUTCH GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag: Dutch GP response

Components 1 returns after the summer time break with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort this weekend, reside on Sky Sports activities F1. Stream each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime.

Sky Sports activities+ has formally launched and will likely be built-in into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports activities app, giving Sky Sports activities clients entry to over 50 per cent extra reside sport this yr at no further price. Discover out extra right here.