Sergio Perez Held Liable for the Sacking of Nyck de Vries as Daniel Ricciardo Makes a Surprising Comeback After Just 8 Months

Both the Red Bull team’s second drivers have had a shocker of a 2023 season. While Sergio Perez still squeezed in a couple of race wins. Nyck de Vries didn’t have any luck to impress Helmut Marko and Co. Regardless of what people may think, Sergio Perez has been held liable for the sacking of Nyck de Vries, as Daniel Ricciardo makes a comeback to F1. Why is Checo being held liable?

Recently news broke out that Daniel Ricciardo will be replacing Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri with immediate effect. The Dutchman had already been given a warning by Helmut Marko and Co. regarding his poor form as he was asked to pick up his pace. Nonetheless, de Vries failed to deliver on the promise which led to his sacking. However, this might not be the only reason triggering Ricciardo’s return. 

Sergio Perez has been performing very poorly in arguably the second-fastest car on the track. The Mexican hasn’t been able to qualify for Q3 in the last 5 races. Erik van Haren suggests that Checo’s poor form is one of the reasons why De Vries was sacked and the Honey Badger was brought in. Red Bull might be looking for a potential replacement of Checo and this move gives Ricciardo a chance to prove himself and show that he’s still worthy of a top team. 

According to Maximaal.nl, Erik van Haren told De Telegraaf, “Over the next six months, Ricciardo will have to show Red Bulls CEO Helmut Marko that he is still a fast driver. In that case, he can be promoted to the top team again. That’s why Ricciardo is already immediately replacing De Vries and there is not even waiting for the summer break.” [Translated via Google]

Read More: “Don’t Like This at All”: Max Verstappen & Co. Face Criticism From Fans as Daniel Ricciardo Replaces Nyck De Vries at AlphaTauri

Sergio Perez, who looked like a title challenger at the start of the season, might have this seat taken away after the end of the season. Ted Kravitz also shared his opinion on what implications Daniel Ricciardo’s move might have on Checo’s Red Bull contract. 

Ted Kravitz advised that Sergio Perez may be “worried” about Ricciardo joining AlphaTauri

F1 has always been an expensive sport. Despite the cost cap, teams need multiple sponsorships to keep the business model of an F1 team alive. Hence Pay drivers are a thing. While Checo isn’t a pay driver, he does bring in a lot of sponsors and helps merchandise sales in Mexico. As Ricciardo starts performing well in the AlphaTauri, Checo will start getting cold feet. 

According to SkySports.com, Ted Kravitz said, “Even though Checo brings a lot of sponsorship and there are a lot of merchandise opportunities, the selling of Red Bull stuff in Mexico to Mexican fans… he may well be worried if Red Bull decide to go the Ricciardo way If he turns out to be the man who turns AlphaTauri around.”

Watch this Story: When Daniel Ricciardo Almost Had a Chance to Move to Ferrari

What do you think? Is this really Daniel Ricciardo’s test before shifting him to the main team next year?