F1 star Sergio Perez insists he isn’t worried about Daniel Ricciardo joining Red Bull in 2023: ‘He’s a great guy…it doesn’t change anything’
- Sergio Perez insists he isn’t worried about Daniel Ricciardo joining Red Bull
- Perez says he is happy to have the Aussie at Red Bull as a third driver for 2023
- The Mexican Formula 1 star says Ricciardo will contribute a lot to the team
Sergio Perez says he’s not bothered by Daniel Ricciardo‘s return to Red Bull next season as a third driver, saying the move ‘doesn’t change anything’ for him at the Formula 1 team.
McLaren terminated Ricciardo’s contract earlier this year, with the team unimpressed by a series of underwhelming drives during the season.
Sergio Perez (pictured) says he’s not bothered by Daniel Ricciardo’s return to Red Bull next season as a third driver, saying the move ‘doesn’t change anything’ for him at the F1 team
The Aussie eight-time grand prix winner searched for another drive for next year, and it was Red Bull who won the race to sign the 33-year-old and announced him as their ‘third driver’ for the 2023 season late last month
The Aussie eight-time grand prix winner searched for another drive for next year, and it was Red Bull who won the race to sign the 33-year-old and announced him as their ‘third driver’ for the 2023 season late last month.
Perez signed a new two-year contract with Red Bull earlier this year, but having a driver of Ricciardo’s ability and experience waiting in the wings might have concerned the Mexican star – but he insists he is happy with the outcome.
Perez signed a new two-year contract with Red Bull earlier this year, but having a driver of Ricciardo’s ability and experience waiting in the wings might have concerned the Mexican star – but he insists he is happy with the outcome
‘I’m pretty relaxed,’ Perez told Sky Sports.
‘I mean, we live under a lot of pressure all the time. It doesn’t change anything from my side, I think it’s a great achievement for the team to have a driver like Daniel and he’s going to contribute a lot to our team.
‘He’s a great guy, he’s one of the guys that I get on [with] the most in the paddock, so I think it’s just great to have Daniel in the team, and from my side doesn’t change anything.’
There’s been some speculation that the Aussie could replace Perez as a full-time driver in the future after Perez and Verstappen’s working relationship has been shaky at times throughout the 2022 season.
Ricciardo says he’s just happy to be back at the team he had so much success at and isn’t looking too far into the future.
There’s been some speculation that the Aussie could replace Perez (pictured posing for fan photos) as a full-time driver in the future after Perez and Verstappen’s working relationship has been shaky at times throughout the 2022 season
‘The smile says it all, I’m truly excited to be coming back home to Oracle Red Bull Racing as their Third Driver in 2023,’ he said after the confirmation was made public.
‘I already have so many fond memories of my time here, but the welcome from Christian, Dr Marko and the entire team is something I’m sincerely appreciative of.
‘For me personally, the ability to contribute to and be surrounded by the best team in F1 is hugely appealing, whilst also giving me some time to recharge and refocus.
‘I can’t wait to be with the team and support with simulator work, testing sessions and commercial activities. Let’s go!’