Is Formula One going to have another Mexican driver? This question may arise after the special meeting Dr. Helmut Marko called for on Saturday. The Qualifying was not the only interesting event at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Rather, Red Bull’s hospitality area caught quite a bit of attention at the sight of Mexican ‘young blood’ Ernesto Rivera. Why was he there? Well, Dr. Marko himself invited the 15-year-old. Does this mean a new threat to Daniel Ricciardo’s contract has popped up?

With modifications in the age rules, new opportunities are opening up for the teams. Red Bull has already experimented with Max Verstappen and it was successful. Ernesto Rivera has recently made his debut in single-seaters. He secured two podiums and a win at Portimao two weeks ago. This impressive performance by the young Mexican has caught the attention of the 81-year-old. Marko feels this young boy will become Sergio Perez’s generational replacement for Mexican motorsport.

Marko has explained he likes the drivers to “climb quickly in the pyramid of training categories, instead of stagnating for more than one season per championship“. He already asked Campos Racing and Rivera in the past to consider racing in other championships to gain more experience and flexibility.

The Red Bull chief expressed his desire to meet Rivera following his first season in single-seaters and the European engine in Spanish Formula 4 with Campos Racing. Speculations are rife that Red Bull might open a new chapter. Will they offer a new contract to Rivera? If yes, then what about Daniel Ricciardo?

What does this meeting signify to Daniel Ricciardo’s contract?

As per SOYMOTOR, Helmut Marko has already told Rivera, “Yes, you are great”. Campos Racing is aware of how good a driver Ernesto Rivera is. His swift shift from one championship to another is proving his prowess.

There are speculations on what Ernesto Rivera’s entry into Red Bull hospitality signifies. While the contract for Sergio Perez has been extended for two years, Daniel Ricciardo’s remains uncertain. With a lackluster season so far, Ricciardo has been trying his best to convince the mother agency he is capable of continuing.

While it may seem simple, Dr. Helmut Marko never does anything without an intention. With the FIA’s changed regulations saying drivers need not be 18 to debut in F1, one can imagine if Rivera is the next Max Verstappen experiment. As Perez’s contract ends in 2026, Rivera also turns 17 the same year. And if the rumors and calculations are to be believed, then Ricciardo’s comeback to Red Bull doesn’t seem straightforward.

Does Daniel Ricciardo have a future in F1?

The question that has been nagging curious minds is whether Daniel Ricciardo will be in F1 next year. With the constant threat of being replaced by young drivers like Liam Lawson, the Honey Badger must do something. Ernest Rivera and before him, Pepe Marti have added their names to the list of drivers who could replace the 34-year-old Australian.

An overall poor season so far for Ricciardo and the consistent subpar results have put his F1 future in jeopardy. While VCARB announced Yuki Tsunoda’s extension with the team, Ricciardo’s remains untold. And if he fails to prove himself, he might be replaced mid-season.

The special meeting called by Dr. Marko and the attention given to young Mexican driver Ernesto Rivera signals a potential shift in Red Bull’s strategy. As Red Bull explores new opportunities with young talents, Ricciardo’s performance in the upcoming races will determine his future in the sport.