Daniel Ricciardo: RB driver admits he thought changing Sergio Perez at Crimson Bull may occur at Dutch GP | F1 Information

Daniel Ricciardo has admitted he thought it was attainable he would substitute Sergio Perez at Crimson Bull for the rest of the 2024 System 1 season.

Crimson Bull group principal Christian Horner launched an announcement in the beginning of the summer time break to substantiate Perez would proceed as Max Verstappen’s team-mate from this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix – dwell on Sky Sports activities F1.

Perez, who signed a brand new two-year cope with Crimson Bull earlier this season, got here beneath growing stress earlier than the four-week break as he had completed no higher than seventh because the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Might and suffered 4 Q1 eliminations.

With Yuki Tsunoda seemingly not in favour to maneuver as much as Crimson Bull and Ricciardo exhibiting some good performances similtaneously Perez’s tough outcomes, many individuals thought the Australian can be promoted to the primary group for the ultimate 10 races this yr.

“I didn’t rule it out,” stated Ricciardo on the potential for changing Perez. “I assumed perhaps one thing may occur however I additionally did not anticipate it or get my hopes up.

“I was aware ‘maybe something changes’, but I just thought: ‘Do what I’m doing and if I get a call, I get a call.’ I didn’t get a call but that’s what I mentally prepared myself for.”

Ricciardo: Lawson deserves F1 seat

Ricciardo, who doesn’t have a contract for subsequent yr, has made it clear that he desires to return to Crimson Bull.

The Crimson Bull state of affairs is sophisticated by Liam Lawson, who will “certainly” be in one of many Crimson Bull or RB automobiles subsequent yr, based on group advisor Helmut Marko.

Which means one in every of Perez, Ricciardo or Tsunoda shall be left and not using a seat within the Crimson Bull household in 2025.

“I have every opportunity in front of me and that’s the beauty, it’s up to me,” Ricciardo informed Sky Sports activities F1. “Yes, there is always pressure from myself, and that of the Red Bull system, but I know if I do a job, I will have a seat and somewhere to race.”

Ricciardo and Lawson examined the 2024 RB automobile at Imola through the summer time break.

Lawson has been on the sidelines this yr as a reserve driver, regardless of impressing within the 5 race weekends he substituted for Ricciardo at AlphaTauri, now known as RB, final yr.

“I got to see Liam drive the car last year and I think he did a great job and is worthy of a seat on the grid,” stated Ricciardo.

“In a way, I’m happy for him. If he’s guaranteed a seat on the grid next year, that’s good because he is a deserving driver.

“What which means for me might be a bit unknown but when I carry out, they may discover a spot for me someplace!”

Sky Sports activities F1’s dwell Dutch GP schedule

Friday August 23
9.05am: F1 Academy: Observe One
11am: Dutch GP Observe One (session begins 11.30am)
2.45pm: Dutch GP Observe Two (session begins 3pm)
4.25pm: F1 Academy: Observe Two
5.15pm: The F1 Present

Saturday August 24
9.10am: F1 Academy: Qualifying
10.15am: Dutch GP Observe Three (session begins 10.30am)
1pm: Dutch GP Qualifying build-up
2pm: DUTCH GP QUALIFYING
4pm: F1 Academy: Race One

Sunday August 25
9.40am: F1 Academy: Race Two
12:30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Dutch GP build-up
2pm: The DUTCH GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag: Dutch GP response

System 1 returns after the summer time break with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort this weekend, dwell on Sky Sports activities F1. Stream each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime.

Sky Sports activities+ has formally launched and shall be built-in into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports activities app, giving Sky Sports activities clients entry to over 50 per cent extra dwell sport this yr at no further price. Discover out extra right here.