Alarm Bells Start to Ring for Sergio Perez as Prodigal Son Daniel Ricciardo Gears Up for Red Bull Return: “Let’s Say the Toys Go Out of the Pram…”

Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen haven’t had a smooth-running relationship in recent times. What felt like a merry bond for 1 and a half years has suddenly unraveled in the last couple of months. The Sao Paulo GP team orders fiasco may be blown out of proportion by some people. Though it still ain’t a good sign for Checo and Max’s team dynamic in the future. And the latest variable added to this dynamic is Daniel Ricciardo.

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko recently announced that Daniel Ricciardo may make a return to Red Bull for 2023. They have offered Ricciardo a reserve driver role. Although the Aussie has not signed the contract yet, Christian Horner mentioned it is a done deal, unless Daniel thinks otherwise.

1996 F1 champion Damon Hill spoke to Sky F1 saying that Ricciardo may end up being teammates with Max Verstappen once again. Hill referred to the potential fall-out between Sergio Perez and Max may benefit Ricciardo for a race seat.

Hill said, “It could be quite an interesting one if you think about the problems they have apparently had between Max and Sergio. Let’s say the toys go out of the pram and there is some sort of fall out there, Daniel Ricciardo could be in prime position.”

Damon mentioned how it may be a likely homecoming for Daniel. He continued, “It is his home, and he does owe a lot to Red Bull so he will be very keen to be back in that fold. What is it about the prodigal son who returns? He could be in a good position coming back and having learned a lot in other places.”

Read More: Daniel Ricciardo Reveals the Rigid Conditions on The Table For Tempting Red Bull Role

Now no one knows what might transpire in the future at Milton Keynes. It may not be the first time Red Bull will have to switch drivers suddenly if such a situation arises.

Daniel Ricciardo – A Red Bull Homecoming

Just about 4 years back in 2018, Ricciardo decided to leave Red Bull to head to Renault. Since then he has become a journeyman in F1, moving from team to team. After his split with Mclaren in 2022, many speculated he may return to Alpine (formerly Renault), given they had a vacant seat.

Although it was another one of his former teams, the Honey Badger is choosing to return to. It may be said that Daniel left Red Bull as a 2nd driver and now returns as a 3rd driver. Though if anyone on the grid might understand Ricciardo, it’s mostly Red Bull.

Of course, a lot has changed since 2018, with Ricciardo having 2 short stints with Renault and Mclaren. He may have learned crucial lessons during this time.

Watch This Story: Daniel Ricciardo’s Best Shoey celebrations Ranked

Coming back to Red Bull may not give him a shot back at redemption right away. Though he will keep his fingers crossed to revive his F1 career at a team that is potentially his home. Do you think Ricciardo will get a competitive seat in F1 again?