Doubts over Perez again? 'Option in Ricciardo contract for early '24''

For six months, Sergio Perez heard the question asked: 'Will you stay with Red Bull Racing for the 2024 season?' Time and again, the Mexican and his team boss Christian Horner made it clear that Perez has a contract for next season and is, therefore, staying. Moreover, by securing second place in the world drivers' championship, Perez fulfilled all the expectations placed on him.

Yet the conclusion of the 2023 season is still fresh in the mind and once again, Perez's future at Red Bull is in doubt. In his personal blog, freelance F1 journalist Joe Saward talks about a clause in Daniel Ricciardo's contract, which will see him at AlphaTauri in 2024.

"While the driver line-up in 2024 will be Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda, informed sources suggest that there is a provision in Ricciardo’s contract for him to switch into Red Bull Racing after the early races next year if Sergio Perez does not up his game. I hear that if that happens, Daniel’s salary will triple, and Liam Lawson will come in to replace him," Saward wrote.

Incidentally, with the 2023 season ending, it is still unknown when the new name of Red Bull Racing's sister team will be officially announced. Last week, it was already leaked that Red Bull had trademarked 'Racing Bulls' brand name. A logo is also circulating online. However, it is already clear that the team name will be complemented by sponsor names from two US companies.