Daniel Ricciardo has been linked with Sergio Perez’s race seat ever since he came back into the Red Bull family after his failed stint with McLaren. The Aussie himself has said on multiple occasions that going back to Red Bull will be a dream scenario for the 34-year-old. Even during the Thursday press conference ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, Ricciardo showed confidence that his performances could potentially help him make a return to the senior Red Bull team. However, Dr. Helmut Marko, the motorsport advisor for the Milton Keynes squad, recently suggested that Daniel Ricciardo might not be considered to become Max Verstappen‘s teammate a second time.

Ricciardo hasn’t had the smoothest start to his 2024 campaign. With only two races under his belt, he’s already facing criticism for not matching up to the performance of his Visa Cash App RB’s teammate, Yuki Tsunoda. If he is to return to Red Bull Racing, the Aussie needs to outshine Tsunoda on the track and lead his team to stronger results. But so far, things haven’t gone the way he would have wanted.

Helmut Marko suggests Red Bull needs a young talent behind the wheel of its second car

When David Croft asked Ricciardo if he was still thinking about the opportunity to go to Red Bull, the Aussie expressed a grounded perspective. He emphasized that he doesn’t let himself get caught up in speculations. Ricciardo is well aware of his current standing within the team and understands the potential outcomes if he performs exceptionally well. However, Helmut Marko’s recent statement suggests that Ricciardo is not being considered for a move to the senior team.

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Reflecting on RB’s performance so far, Marko suggested that neither Ricciardo nor Tsunoda can afford to let go of opportunities. Regarding Red Bull’s driver lineup for the future, Marko hinted at the possibility of changes. While Sergio Perez has delivered strong performances, finishing in second place behind Max Verstappen, Marko suggested that the team should consider long-term options for the second cockpit. He mentioned factors such as age and performance, implying that younger drivers like Liam Lawson could be considered for future opportunities.

“Perez is no longer the youngest, nor is Ricciardo,“ Autosport quoted Helmut Marko. “And if you then take other aspects into account, another driver could certainly be included in this process.“ Speaking about Liam Lawson, he added, “He has to sit in the car first and prove himself. But what he showed in his [five] appearances [in 2023] was very promising.”

There’s little doubt that Lawson left the F1 paddock impressed with his substitute performances in 2023. However, he needs to be fully prepared for the case when Red Bull might come calling.

What does Liam Lawson think about his Formula 1 future?

Last season, Lawson caught the eye of many as he filled in as a reserve driver for Red Bull’s junior team, AlphaTauri (now Visa Cash App RB), stepping in for Daniel Ricciardo during five Grands Prix while Ricciardo was recovering from surgery. Racing alongside Yuki Tsunoda, Lawson’s performance was impressive, which has boosted his chances of landing a permanent seat in the future.

In a recent statement, Lawson expressed his readiness to grab any opportunities that come his way, emphasizing that he still feels like a rookie despite his experience in five Grands Prix last year. “Honestly, there’s no set timeline for my future. There’s nothing set in stone…” Lawson was quoted by Sports Illustrated. “Basically, for me, it’s about staying ready and hopefully, we have some opportunity coming. I still feel like a rookie. It’ll basically be mostly simulator work and then going to all the races with the team as a reserve,” the racer further added.

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Do you think Red Bull will put Liam Lawson alongside Max Verstappen in the other Red Bull in 2025 or will they continue with Sergio Perez?