F1 News: Daniel Ricciardo Denies Claims He's Interested in Replacing Sergio Perez at Red Bull
Daniel Ricciardo has dismissed rumours of a potential swap with Sergio Perez at Red Bull for 2023. He emphasised that he is "very happy" in his current role as the team's third driver and that he still desires a break from Formula 1.
The Australian driver rejoined Red Bull after four seasons with Renault and McLaren, taking on a role that includes commercial and simulation responsibilities, but with reduced on-weekend duties. Despite his return, rumours started swirling that he could replace Perez if the latter struggles to perform alongside Max Verstappen this season.
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However, Ricciardo has made it clear that he is not considering such a scenario and that he is committed to taking time off after 11 consecutive years in Formula 1. He highlighted that he "really wants the time off" and is content in his current role, supporting the team's main drivers.
During an interview with Sky Sports News, Ricciardo explained:
"I think really for me my mindset is to really try and help the team.
"I will give everything I can in the simulator, the races I go to I'll be in the meetings and I have no problem talking to Max and Checo [Perez], trying to share any insights and try to be the best team member I can. That's really where my heads at.
"I think as well because I personally I do really want the time off, I'm not waiting like, 'give me that chance'. I'm very happy to be where I'm at right now."
Daniel Ricciardo expressed surprise at how comfortable he felt upon his return to Red Bull, saying that it "feels like I never left". The popular driver had been a regular and a championship contender for Red Bull before moving to Renault in 2019.
At the end of the 2022 season Ricciardo revealed he would be interested in re-joining the grid permanently in 2024 but is now not committing to this. He continued:
"I think I'll get my answer [on whether I want to return] inside... an internal feeling.
"I'm sure I'll get that before the summer once the season starts, once I've been in the sim and gone to a few races.
"I think I'll get my answer what I truly want to do and yeah, work towards whatever that is."