Ricciardo and Tsunoda respond to Red Bull snub after Perez contract

06 June 2024 , 18:35

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Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo were overlooked for promotion to the top Red Bull team (Image: Formula 1 via Getty Images)

Daniel Ricciardo admits he hasn't been "awesome enough" to challenge for a promotion to the top Red Bull team.

Both he and Yuki Tsunoda would have hoped to impress enough to get the nod to race alongside Max Verstappen next year. But Sergio Perez has instead been handed a two-year contract extension.

And that is a serious blow to Ricciardo's hopes of returning to the seat he vacated willingly at the end of the 2018 campaign. He turns 35 next month and now there is no seat available at Red Bull Racing until at least 2027.

Reacting to news of Perez's new deal, the Aussie seemed accepting of the situation. He said: "It doesn't surprise me and it doesn't change anything for me. Obviously, my goal... at some point I'd love to be back there. But I also know that my season hasn't been spectacular.

"I had a spectacular moment in Miami but otherwise I've been a bit up and down and I've been doing this long enough and I know myself that I want to be doing better.

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"Already after the first few races I was just focused on trying to do the most I can here. Through that, then I'll have the most control over my future. Up until now I probably haven't been awesome enough but, equally, I am happy being here just being back in the Red Bull family. We'll keep charging forward. I don't think [Perez's renewal] means that now it will never happen. We'll see."

While Ricciardo's form has not been good enough, Tsunoda has had a very impressive season so far. He finds himself in the top half of the drivers' standings having already scored 19 points and the Japanese racer has turned a few heads with his improvement.

Max Verstappen will continue to race alongside Sergio Perez at Red Bull (Getty Images)

Mirror Sport understands he is in line for a new RB contract as a result but told reports in Montreal that there is currently no news to share on that front. "It's an ongoing discussion with Red Bull - we'll see how it goes," Tsunoda said.

And, asked about Perez's renewal and whether it will tip him towards leaving with Honda at the end of 2025 to join Aston Martin, he replied: "It doesn't affect much on the Honda front for now, I think. We'll see. If Red Bull want me, hopefully I can stay here."

Meanwhile, Verstappen said he is happy that Perez is sticking around for a couple more seasons. The Dutchman said: "It's great news that Checo has signed with the team until 2026 and I am glad to be able to continue with the successful partnership that we have created over the past few years."

Daniel Moxon