Renowned F1 pundit Lawrence Barretto has ignited fervent speculation within the racing community, suggesting the tantalizing possibility of former Red Bull ace Daniel Ricciardo staging a dramatic return to his former team in 2025, potentially partnering once again with reigning champion Max Verstappen.
Ricciardo’s path in recent years saw a brief hiatus from the racing circuit after his two-year stint with McLaren. His return in 2023, donning the AlphaTauri colors as a replacement for Nyck de Vries, showcased flashes of brilliance on the track. Meanwhile, Red Bull driver Sergio Perez encountered a rollercoaster ride in the 2023 season, initially soaring with two impressive race victories before grappling with a downturn in performance that culminated in a series of disappointing finishes toward the season’s end. Perez’s struggle prompted persistent rumors regarding his future within the Austrian outfit.
Despite Perez’s slated return to Red Bull for the upcoming season and Ricciardo continuing his tenure with AlphaTauri, Barretto posits a potential turn of events. He proposes an intriguing scenario where Red Bull, disheartened by Perez’s waning performance, might reassess their driver lineup. In this conjecture, the spotlight falls squarely on Daniel Ricciardo, prominently positioned within Red Bull’s driver pool.
The notion of Ricciardo potentially rejoining Red Bull in 2025 hinges on the expiration of Perez’s contract at the culmination of the 2024 season. Barretto’s speculation sparks curiosity about a potential reshuffle, with the prospect of Ricciardo and Verstappen rekindling their on-track rivalry, stirring excitement and intrigue within the Formula 1 fraternity.
While this conjecture stands as speculation, it sets the stage for a compelling narrative in the seasons to come, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the dynamic landscape of F1.
He explained (via F1.com),
“Red Bull Motorsport Adviser Helmut Marko has hinted Liam Lawson is likely to get a race seat for 2025, but for that to happen, Ricciardo or Tsunoda need to make way.
“As it stands, it is believed Ricciardo tops senior management’s list of suitable replacements. The Australian will need to get back to his very best this year, and with many insiders feeling his AlphaTauri team will make a big step forward this year in terms of competitiveness, there’s a strong chance he’ll deliver.”
