Daniel Ricciardo’s “Fairytale” Dreams Take a Blow as New Contender for Sergio Perez’s Seat Tipped to Seize the Opportunity

From the Hungarian GP till the end of the 2023 season, there is only one task for Daniel Ricciardo and Sergio Perez. That is to do their best and showcase their worthiness for the tempting Red Bull seat. Red Bull’s boss Christian Horner has already put some faith in Perez’s abilities and secured his position on the team. However, if the Mexican’s bad form worsens, Red Bull will waste no time in replacing him. However, according to British former driver Johnny Herbert. There is an alternative option for Red Bull.

Now we all know, Perez is contracted till 2025. If the Mexican isn’t sacked, he, Lando Norris, and Charles Leclerc will be out of contract at the same time in 2025. These are the possible options available with Red Bull apart from the AlphaTauri drivers. However, in his exclusive interview with Metro, Herbert believes Norris is the best choice for the second seat.

“If I was choosing there is only one man, and he is in an orange car at the minute. That is Lando,” said Herbert. “He has a long-term contract and I don’t know what that says or the details of it. But windows of opportunity come up rarely in this sport. When they do you have got to be the man on the doorstep and when that door opens you walk right through.”

“If there is a get-out clause in some shape or form, that would be the negotiation I would start playing with. Lando has impressed a lot of people and he has got a good reputation,” he added.

Read More: Despite Daniel Ricciardo Nurturing “Fairytale” Dreams, Max Verstappen’s Preference for a Rival Dubbed Better Alternative

The Brit might just a massive dent in Ricciardo’s dream of a “fairytale” end to life in F1. However, he might hamper his career in the process.

Like Daniel Ricciardo, Lando Norris might have difficulty keeping up with the dominant Max Verstappen

We have seen many come and fail against the mighty Max Verstappen over the years. Ricciardo held his own for a while, and Perez is doing the same. However, the rest could only manage a short stint at Red Bull. Will Lando Norris suffer the same fate? Herbert left his answer open-ended with an example from the past.

“There is another question. Would you really want to risk going up against Max Verstappen? Asked Herbert and answered with an example.” He said, “I remember years ago Gerhard Berger said to me when I did my time with Michael Schumacher that he would never have gone up against Michael. So there are certain drivers, who from a career perspective wouldn’t countenance it.”

Self-belief runs high in every F1 driver. So rest assured, Norris will not consider going up against Max Verstappen as an obstacle if he gets an opportunity to race for Red Bull.

WATCH THIS STORY | How Lando Norris Had a Chance to Go to Red Bull But Instead Chose McLaren