F1 News: Helmut Marko Admits Possibility Of Daniel Ricciardo Replacing Sergio Perez

Dr Helmut Marko has spoken about the possibility of Daniel Ricciardo racing alongside Max Verstappen again.

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has admitted that there is a possibility of Daniel Ricciardo taking Sergio Perez's seat at Red Bull once the latter's current contract has expired at the end of 2024. 

There have been a lot of rumours surrounding the Mexican driver's future with Red Bull after failing to get through to Q3 in the last five race weekends. These rumours were only fuelled further when it was confirmed last week that Daniel Ricciardo has replaced Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri with immediate effect. 

De Vries was dropped after just ten races of his rookie season and many are of the belief that part of the reason to replace him with the Australian driver is to gear him up to replace Perez. 

Speaking about the current rumours, Marko remained vague during an interview with Sport.de, explaining that if he performs well "there is a possibility". He commented:

"We haven't made any promises. He knows that if he performs well, there is a possibility.

"Life alongside Max is certainly not easy. There are very few drivers who can withstand Verstappen in terms of speed and psychologically." 

Ricciardo lost his McLaren seat at the end of 2022 and signed with Red Bull, who he previously raced for between 2014 and 2018, as their third driver for 2023. The eight-time grand prix winner has remained adamant during his time away that he is keen to come back to a full-time seat, but only in a 'competitive' seat. 

AlphaTauri is currently struggling in the 2023 season with just two points in the constructors' championship putting them in tenth position. However, despite it not being a competitive seat, it has the pathway to move up to Red Bull which is where Ricciardo is keen to end his Formula One career.