“Not 100% Sure”: Sergio Perez’s Seat In Jeopardy While Daniel Ricciardo Endorsed to Return As Max Verstappen’s Red Bull Teammate

Unless Daniel Ricciardo pulls out an Oscar Piastri, it looks like he’s finally decided where he’s heading next year. It is rumored that Red Bull’s Helmut Marko told Sky Germany that the Aussie driver will return to the Milton-Keynes outfit, 4 years after leaving them for Renault (Now Alpine).

The Abu Dhabi GP will be Daniel’s last race as a McLaren driver. Ricciardo has suffered a torrid time with the Woking-based outfit and his misery finally comes to an end. While many expected the move as a reserve driver, it’s a bit ironic to see Daniel possibly rejoining the team he left to avoid being second-fiddle to Max Verstappen.

However, Ralf Schumacher believes the Australian might not be their reserve driver for long. After Sunday’s feud between Verstappen and Sergio Perez, Schumacher believes Ricciardo has a good shot of driving for Red Bull again in 2024, or even earlier.

Schumacher said he was “not 100 percent sure that Perez will still be his teammate next year.” He also added, “I think Ricciardo has a good chance. It must be behind the scenes very, very aggressive and I think Max wants a new combination.” [Translated from Google]

Ralf further stated, “Max is the spearhead of Red Bull. The whole future is laid out for him until 2028. In the end, he pulls the coals out of the fire, brings the victories home. Accordingly, I could imagine that because of his contract, he will also win them the opportunity to have a say in who drives next to him. And I think he prefers Ricciardo there.”

READ MORE: “Nothing Is Confirmed”: Daniel Ricciardo Gives Latest Update on Future F1 Plans as He Closes in on His Final Race

Daniel will hope to end his McLaren stint on a high and score some points for his team.

Daniel Ricciardo hoping to test his McLaren through “one last dance”

Despite all the troubles they’ve been through, Daniel Ricciardo will be hoping to put on a show one last time for his McLaren team. Subsequently, the Aussie driver will hope to play a part in their team’s fight against Alpine for P4 in WCC. Moreover, Ricciardo is looking forward to the one last dance in his MCL36.

The Aussie driver said, “Here we go, one last time in papaya. I’m looking forward to getting out there and giving it everything for these last days of the season.”

“I think there could be some fun battles and potential to overtake in these new cars so it will be great to put the MCL36 through one last dance. My focus is now trying to finish this season on the highest possible high,” Ricciardo concluded.

Ricciardo will also look to finish above retiring legend and his first Red Bull teammate Sebastian Vettel. He currently trails the German by just one point in the driver’s standings.

WATCH THIS STORY: Daniel Ricciardo makes parting promise to F1 grid

There’s no doubt that Ricciardo remains one of the most skilled drivers around. The Honey Badger’s experience and positive energy will certainly help whichever team he decides to join. Are you excited to watch Daniel Ricciardo race one last time till his return?