The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown next week between Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson as Red Bull weighs up its options for a potential replacement for Sergio Perez.
The two Aussies will go head-to-head at Imola next week, sharing driving duties in a 2022-spec AlphaTauri AT03 in a test to benchmark the pair and gather crucial data for Red Bull's decision-makers.
Perez's position within the team has become increasingly precarious as his form has dipped, coinciding with a resurgence from McLaren.
Red Bull’s once commanding lead in F1’s Constructors' championship has dwindled to a mere 51 points, due to Perez’s significant shortfall of results relative to teammate Max Verstappen.
Last month, despite his lingering struggles, Perez signed a two-year extension to his contract with Red Bull. However, it is understood to contain a performance clause that means he can be released if he is not within 100 points of Verstappen’s total by F1’s upcoming summer break.
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Perez is currently 141 behind and cannot reach the point he needs even with victory and fastest lap at Spa.
Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix will likely be a pivotal moment for the under-pressure Mexican whose case will be debated at length by Red Bull’s top brass on Monday at Milton Keynes.
“Sergio knows that for the constructors' championship we have to have both cars ahead of McLaren if possible, and that hasn't been the case in the last few races,” commented Helmut Marko on Saturday at Spa, speaking to Servus TV.
“The goal is to win both the drivers' and constructors' championships, and we'll discuss the best way to achieve that on Monday.”
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Hence next week’s high stakes duel between Ricciardo and Lawson, while RB’s Yuki Tsunoda is not expected to be in the frame for a move to Red Bull racing.
Ricciardo, the experienced veteran, brings with him a wealth of F1 knowledge and eight grand prix victories. However, inconsistent results this season with RB have raised questions about his ability to return to the top level.
On the other side, Lawson has impressed in limited opportunities, including a stand-in performance for Ricciardo last season and a recent private test at Silverstone Red Bull Racing. His youth and raw talent are undeniable, but his lack of experience could be a significant hurdle to overcome.
The Imola test will provide invaluable insights into both drivers' abilities, allowing Red Bull to make a more informed decision.
With the stakes incredibly high, the battle for the coveted Red Bull seat, in the event of Perez’s demise, is set to be one of the most intriguing subplots of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
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