Ricciardo says that hiring Perez does not rule out Red Bull’s return to F1.

Daniel Ricciardo, the Australian driver for RB, remains optimistic about the possibility of returning to Red Bull in the future, despite Sergio Perez’s recent contract renewal with the team. Ricciardo joined RB this season with the goal of proving himself and potentially replacing Perez as Max Verstappen’s partner in 2025. However, he has faced challenges and has only accumulated five points compared to his less experienced teammate Yuki Tsunoda’s 19. Ricciardo acknowledges that he has not met the necessary standards to secure a promotion to the reigning champions in the first eight rounds of the current season. However, he believes that Perez’s new contract does not completely close the door on his dream of reclaiming his former position from 2018. While Ricciardo takes responsibility for not delivering exceptional performances, he still sees a chance for a prominent place in the future. He is committed to improving his season and hopes to end his career at Red Bull, even if it may not happen in the immediate future. Ricciardo acknowledges that Perez’s extension does not diminish his own opportunities. Despite a good fourth place in the Miami Sprint, Ricciardo’s season has not met his expectations. He recognizes the need for better performances to increase his chances of securing a prominent place. Although he believes progress is being made, he wants to see a faster improvement on the track. Ricciardo has confidence in his abilities and believes that small adjustments will help him unlock his full potential and achieve more consistent results. He remains determined to turn around his season and perform at a higher level.