Christian Horner Reveals Daniel Ricciardo as “Favourite” Amid Checo Perez Sacking Rumor

The best way to enjoy an F1 season recap is here with Drive to Survive Season 6 out! Fans enjoy the behind-the-scenes of what goes down in the F1 world with exclusive interviews and insights from industry professionals. This time, the documentary gave a recap of 2023, where Red Bull yet again took the win. But while they clinched the P1-P2 spots with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez taking the lead respectively, Checo has still not been given an offer to continue his contract.

The starting of Season 6 Episode 2 of Drive to Survive, begins with Christian Horner being in focus, spending time with his family. While walking around with his daughter, she asked him “Who’s first place in your heart?” And the answer surprised the world and threatened Perez’s seat.

Daniel Ricciardo has pole position in Christian Horner’s heart

While Sergio Perez is about to finish his contract, there are signs of Daniel Riccardo making his way back into the team. According to Christian Horner, when he answered the question of who occupies the top spot in his heart, he promptly said, “Daniel Ricciardo.” This has led to some major speculations within the community of The Honey Badger taking Checo’s place.

Horner further explained in the episode, “Daniel was a product of our junior team. He drove for us for 5 years, 7 GP victories, more than 20 podiums, all achieved in Red Bull Racing cars.” Describing Ricciardo’s career after Red Bull, the team principal said, “And then he left. I felt disappointed about walking away from the team. He went to Renault. That didn’t work at all for him. And then moved to McLaren, and that was disastrous.”

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The 50-year-old explained how all sports are a business of confidence and Ricciardo has seemed to have lost it over the years. He then said, “I don’t believe the Daniel we have seen in the last couple of years is the real Daniel. It’s not the Daniel I can recognize from his time at Red Bull.” When Daniel was released from McLaren, Horner called him up and asked him, “Well, why don’t you come to spend a year with us on the bench and just find your love for the sport again?” While giving Ricciardo a chance, he also mentioned where his career could be heading, and it does not sound like good news for Ricciardo.

Is it time for Daniel Ricciardo to hit the sack?

In episode two, after stating that Ricciardo was his favorite, Horner spoke about what he thinks are the options for the driver. While being benched, Ricciardo has had enough time to consider if the sport is something he wants to continue. Although he has a good track record, the RB Formula One team driver has struggled to reach the peaks he touched during his initial years at Red Bull.

It’s clear by now that his move to Renault and McLaren didn’t bring him any good and only made him older in a highly competitive sport. While describing his views on Ricciardo being benched, Horner told Netflix, “Where it will help him or lead to something, I’m not sure. Ultimately Daniel might have to accept that his time in Formula 1 is done.”

Although this is just Christian Horner’s perspective on the situation, it has been a while since Daniel Ricciardo proved himself on track. With the team principal being tied up with the inappropriate allegations, Sergio Perez will be the driver that they will be going for this season to pair with Max Verstappen. However, there is a chance that Ricciardo will find himself and get back in form to race for the World Championship title in 2025. Do you think this will be a possibility? Let us know in the comments below.

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