F1 News: Red Bull Assessing Daniel Ricciardo For Sergio Perez Seat

Sergio Perez's performance has been below average and Red Bull has been keeping "all options open". Could Daniel Ricciardo replace Perez?

Sergio Perez's below-par performance in the last few weeks has reduced the points gap between him, Lewis Hamilton, and Fernando Alonso. The 33-year-old racer has secured two victories since the start of the season. 

On the other hand, Max Verstappen's outstanding performance has made it impossible for others to catch up. Even if Red Bull played along in its comfort zone for the rest of the season, it could easily win the constructor's championship in 2023. 

However, a stark contrast of 80 points between the drivers can't be the only reason for a replacement. Considering the errors made by Perez and also taking into account Red Bull's non-hesitance in making sudden changes whenever needed, this could become a reality. 

Daniel Ricciardo has been vocal about his Formula 1 return plans. He's also hinted that Red Bull would be an ideal team to end his career with. 

However, Helmut Marko- head of Red Bull's driver development programme, and Red Bull team boss Christian Horner have dismissed the possibility of Perez being replaced. But, their statements do suggest that conditions apply. 

What makes the matter even more interesting is that Red Bull will be evaluating Daniel Ricciardo this summer in an upcoming series of tests. Speaking about the developments, Helmut Marko told the Australian outlet ORF:

“After Silverstone, we will have Ricciardo in the car for three days at a Pirelli tyre test.

And there we can evaluate: Where really (in terms of pace) is Ricciardo?"

Speaking specifically about the possibility of a Sergio Perez replacement, Marko has hinted that there could be a driver replacement. 

“His initial goal was two or three years. That would be more than he planned anyway.

You just have to keep the options open for the successor.”

The current scenario doesn't seem like it has put Perez's seat at stake. Ricciardo's tests later this year do not assure a comeback to Formula 1. 

Red Bull might be at that stage where it would want to keep an optional replacement handy, just in case Perez's performance nosedives even more.

As Marko said, the team has all its options open.