F1 star Daniel Ricciardo tipped for shock team switch by champion

Daniel Ricciardo

Ricciardo tipped for shock team switch by F1 champion

Daniel Ricciardo has been linked with a return to Red Bull

Originally written by Kevin McKenna. This version is a translation.

Thursday 8 August 2024 00:00

Daniel Ricciardo has been tipped to make a stunning move to one of Formula 1's top teams.

The Visa Cash App RB star is out of contract at the end of this season, and has faced question marks over his future given his up-and-down displays so far in 2024.

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Since joining the team in 2023, Ricciardo has struggled to replicate the form he demonstrated during the early stages of his career, having been consistently outperformed by team-mate Yuki Tsunoda.

Despite being on the receiving end of some stinging criticism - most notably from Jacques Villeneuve - Ricciardo has remained undeterred in his bid to prove he deserves a spot on the grid.

Daniel Ricciardo has been tipped to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull

Ricciardo was formerly a team-mate of Max Verstappen between 2014-2018

Where does Ricciardo's future lie?

The veteran's seat appears to be secure for now, but he is all too aware that an urgent upturn in performance is required to ensure he isn't relieved of his duties ahead of next season.

Ricciardo spent four years at Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen from 2014-2018, and former world champion Damon Hill believes the pair could be set for a reunion.

Former champion Damon Hill believes Verstappen would love to join up with Ricciardo

Speaking on the F1 Nation Podcast, the former Williams driver said: "When you see pictures of Max leaving the circuit in the helicopter with Daniel Ricciardo and they're all smiles, you get the feeling that Max would be happy with Ricciardo as a team-mate.

"So if his power in that team is such that he can almost influence that decision, then I do think the pressure is on to get Danny in there.

"I do think they've given him a second lease of life by encouraging him and his performances have been getting stronger, there's no question about it."

Red Bull Formula 1 Daniel Ricciardo Sergio Perez Yuki Tsunoda Jacques Villeneuve