In this dog-eat-dog world of Formula 1, every driver is your rival. This is especially true for teammates. However, nowadays in Red Bull’s garage, this extends to the reserve driver, Daniel Ricciardo, as well. Sergio Perez needs to perceive the Australian as a threat and proceed with caution through the 2023 season. This is the only way he can retain his seat according to a Red Bull former driver.

Despite not having a drive for 2023, Ricciardo can pose a significant threat to Sergio Perez at Red Bull. All Ricciardo needs is one opportunity to prove how good he is and to wash away his sins at McLaren. This is exactly what the Australian will hope to do in 2023 every chance he gets and Perez must deny him that chance.

This is what racer turned TV presenter David Coulthard dwelled on while speaking to PlanetF1. Coulthard started his advice simple: stay in the car.

“Don’t pull a sickie somewhere,” he said. “When I was in the McLaren, I did nine years there and I did every test and never missed a race even when I felt terrible, even when I was getting out of the car and being sick. Because I knew the minute I let the test driver get in the car, it gave him an opportunity to show how good he was. So I didn’t let him get in the car. He could talk all day long, but he couldn’t put in a lap time. So you’ve got to defend your territory.”

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Even though there is Ricciardo’s threat looming on Perez’s seat, the Mexican can take solace in his boss’s comments about his future.

Red Bull boss comforts Sergio Perez after getting Daniel Ricciardo on board

Even though Perez has admitted he’s “pretty relaxed” after Ricciardo’s homecoming, there could’ve been a sense of anxiety. However, Red Bull’s boss, Christian Horner, took care of that as well.

As per Motorsport.com, Horner said, “No, Daniel’s contract is very specific for a specific reason. We have a contract with Checo for the next two years.” 

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Red Bull is in no mood to break up their 2022 championship-winning partnership despite Ricciardo’s inclusion. Safe to say, Perez is in clear waters. However, the Australian shark will only need one opportunity to pounce.