Ever since his arrival at Red Bull, Sergio Perez has played the role of the ultimate wingman for Max Verstappen. He often prioritizes his partner’s results over his own, winning hearts all over. Despite that, he managed to reach his career-best finish in 2022, finishing 3rd in the standings with 305 points. However, many feel that was an underwhelming feat. Especially when compared to the Dutchman, who scored 454 points courtesy of his record 15 race wins. The failure to match the performance of his teammate might prove to be detrimental to his future at Milton Keynes, as Daniel Ricciardo is ready to pounce at the first opportunity he gets.

Ricciardo’s two years with McLaren saw his form take a steady tumble. In each of those two years, he failed to score more points than his younger teammate Lando Norris. Eventually, both he and the team decided it was time to call it quits. Hence, his contract was terminated a year prematurely. Soon, the Honey Badger announced that he would take a year off from regular action in F1 and joined Red Bull as a reserve driver. However, he remains determined to make a comeback in 2024, and Checo’s seat would be the ideal place for him.

Speaking on Daniel’s current situation in an interview with Kayo Sports, F1 commentator David Croft said, “More surprising things have happened and it would not surprise me to see him and Max line up together in 2024.”

“Personally I think it’s such a shame he is not on the grid. If he comes back a better drive for it then we will all agree on the year off.”

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While Croft believes Daniel could pair up with Max in 2024, Red Bull’s Helmut Marko downplayed the threat.

Helmut Marko reassures Sergio Perez against the Daniel Ricciardo threat

Ever since Verstappen refused to follow team orders to let Perez pass in Brazil last year, the relationship between them turned sour. Ever since then, many saw Ricciardo’s presence on the team as a threat to the Mexican’s job security. However, team adviser Helmut Marko issued a clarification, putting all rumors to rest.

Speaking with Servus TV in December last year, Marko told, “Sergio Perez has shown that he drives at a very high level and when Max isn’t there then Sergio is there.” [Translated using Google]

Defining Ricciardo’s role, he told that he will be required to fill a cockpit only when one of the regular drivers will be unavailable. Reiterating his assurance to Perez and his place on the team, he further told, “It’s a certainty, but it’s not like we want to put pressure on Sergio.”

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The thing that works in Checo’s favor is that his fate rests in his own hands. If he intends to stay in the team, he will have to prove his worth with the performances on the track. It is perhaps the best and the only way for him to stamp his authority on his seat for the next year.