Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo are in a crucial phase of their careers as they fight for their F1 futures in the second half of 2024.
There’s significant buzz around the possibility of Perez and Ricciardo joining Audi F1’s shortlist for the 2025 season if they find themselves without a seat at Red Bull. Audi, poised to take over the Sauber team for the 2026 regulation changes, is still on the hunt for a teammate for Nico Hulkenberg after missing out on their top picks, Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon.
Perez, despite renewing his contract with Red Bull in June, finds himself under intense scrutiny following a poor performance streak leading up to the summer break. Although it seemed likely he would be dropped after the Belgian Grand Prix, Red Bull confirmed he would stay on as the season resumes at the Dutch Grand Prix on August 25.
Ricciardo, once a favorite to replace Perez as Max Verstappen’s teammate, remains with the junior team VCARB. With Red Bull feeling the heat from McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship, the situation for both drivers may still change. McLaren, only 42 points behind Red Bull with ten races left, is posing a serious challenge with consistently strong showings from Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
A report from Auto Motor und Sport indicates that both Perez and Ricciardo could be under Audi’s consideration if released by Red Bull. Following several high-level management shifts, Audi remains open about Hulkenberg’s future teammate. The arrival of former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto as Audi’s chief operating and technical officer, and soon-to-be team principal Jonathan Wheatley, further fuels speculation.
Perez started with Sauber in 2011, achieving three podiums, and later replaced Lewis Hamilton at McLaren. Known for bringing substantial sponsorship funds, Perez has a history with Hulkenberg, having led Aston Martin (formerly Force India) to fourth in the 2016 Constructors’ Championship. Ricciardo also teamed up with Hulkenberg at Alpine (then Renault) in 2019, outscoring him by 17 points.
Audi’s interest isn’t just limited to Perez and Ricciardo. Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson, who shone during a five-race stint for an injured Ricciardo in 2023, might leave Red Bull if not promoted by next season. Lawson’s contract includes a clause allowing his departure if he doesn’t secure a full-time seat, with Red Bull’s option on him expiring next month.
Additionally, the arrival of Binotto at Audi could potentially revive Mick Schumacher’s F1 career, with Schumacher being another name mentioned for the second seat in 2025. Schumacher, the son of seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher, currently serves as Mercedes’ reserve driver and races in Alpine’s World Endurance Championship team.
Another contender for Audi is reigning IndyCar champion Alex Palou, who had ties to McLaren before a 2023 contract dispute. Meanwhile, current Audi drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu seem unlikely to stay for the 2025 season.
As the 2024 season progresses, the future of Perez and Ricciardo remains uncertain. However, Audi’s evolving driver lineup strategy could offer them a fresh start if their tenure with Red Bull comes to an end.
