Daniel Ricciardo delivers heartfelt message to Max Verstappen as Red Bull boss clears air over new driver

As the Formula One season nears an end, one of the most talked about team movements on the grid for next year looks certain to leave a position vacant alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen.

Red Bull have given the strongest indication yet that Sergio Perez should start considering his options after Christian Horner spoke about the Mexican’s need to make some big decisions.

“First of all, we’ve won nine Grands Prix this year to five of any other team,” Horner said.

“Now, all of those nine have come from Max [Verstappen], whereas every other team has split between two drivers,” he added when asked about Perez’s input.

“And I think to be third — we’ve still got half a chance of second but it’s a massively long shot — we are out of the constructors’ and that’s very frustrating because that’s obviously where the financial revenues are distributed from.”

Horner was non-committal around the team swinging the axe and releasing Perez from his 2025 contract, but the language applied some not-so-subtle pressure for Verstappen’s RB teammate to walk early.

“Checo has been a wonderful driver for us, certainly in ’21, ’22, ’23,” Horner said.

“He contributed to Max’s championship in ’21, constructors’ championships in ’22 and ’23.

“And, most of all, he’s a great guy and he’s not enjoying the situation he’s in at the moment. He knows the pressures of this business and we are going to give him all the support we can.

“I think he’s old enough and wise enough to come to his own conclusions but there is still a race to go so let’s get to the end of Abu Dhabi and see where we are at.”

The race is now on for drivers to take the seat vacated by Perez and Daniel Ricciardo continues to keep himself front of mind for Red Bull fans.

It is no secret that Ricciardo and Verstappen still have a strong friendship and Horner is an unashamed Ricciardo fan.

The Perth-born superstar was left without a drive earlier this year after being axed by the second-tier Red Bull team but still sent an emotional message to Verstappen after his world title win.

“Max, you’re a bad man,” Ricciardo said.

“Four in a row, it’s awesome dude.

“Really really happy for you. You’ve been flawless, and pretty spectacular.

“Obviously, Brazil’s a recent obvious one which was insane, very much 2016.

“Long story short, you’re the man and enjoy the fourth!”

Horner gave the biggest sign yet that they may be looking for a driver with experience to take the Perez spot and all but ruled out Franco Colapinto as a potential choice.

“He [Franco Colapinto], for sure, is a talent that’s looking to earn his permanent place in Formula 1.,” Horner said.

“We have a great pool of talent within the Red Bull junior team and I’m sure Franco will find his way onto the grid in the future.”