F1 News: Yuki Tsunoda Names Most-Likely Sergio Perez Replacement

Yuki Tsunoda has explained why he thinks Daniel Ricciardo is most likely going to replace Sergio Perez when his contract comes to an end.

AlphaTauri driver Yuki Tsunoda claims his teammate Daniel Ricciardo will be the one to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull when the time comes. 

Speaking with Autosport ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the Japanese driver explained:

“Daniel has experience, more fans, he’s more trusted and more valued so it makes sense.

"I just have to show my performance consistently to kind of show them [and] everyone that I can be that contender.”

Red Bull Press Image

There has been a huge amount of speculation about Perez’s future with Red Bull due to the significant gap between him and championship winner Max Verstappen. Although Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has remained adamant that Perez will continue to drive with them next year as per his contract, Red Bull motorsport advisor Dr Helmut Marko has dropped multiple hints that Perez’s seat is not so certain. 

Tsunoda went on to clarify that he does not see Ricciardo taking Perez’s place until his contract is over. He added:

“Anyway, Checo [Perez] has next year’s contract and nothing we can do to change anything. I just need to keep showing my results now.

“He’s [Ricciardo] doing a good job, especially after coming back from McLaren and he seems really comfortable in the car especially compared to at previous teams. I think he’s got Red Bull energy, the Red Bull style.”

The Mexican driver has the opportunity to secure second position in the Drivers’ Championship this weekend at the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix. Red Bull will be surely doing all they can to support Perez in this as the Austrian team has never finished a championship with a 1-2 finish in the Drivers’ Standings.