I think the consensus is generally that he would replace Ricciardo because Ricciardo would replace Checo. There’s really no reason Daniel wouldn’t be fast tracked into the Red Bull seat unless he truly has lost his speed and his F1 career comes to an end.
Whatever it is that Red Bull saw during his testing and sim time, they seem to believe that the Daniel Ricciardo of old will make a rapid return. If they don’t see that then they probably still replace Checo, but the replacement conversation becomes more complicated.
It would seem a cruel double standard if they were to give a returning driver who had lost his form chance after chance to show he’s still worthy of the works team when historically they haven’t given their own young drivers that opportunity.
I think the consensus is generally that he would replace Ricciardo because Ricciardo would replace Checo. There’s really no reason Daniel wouldn’t be fast tracked into the Red Bull seat unless he truly has lost his speed and his F1 career comes to an end.
Whatever it is that Red Bull saw during his testing and sim time, they seem to believe that the Daniel Ricciardo of old will make a rapid return. If they don’t see that then they probably still replace Checo, but the replacement conversation becomes more complicated.
It would seem a cruel double standard if they were to give a returning driver who had lost his form chance after chance to show he’s still worthy of the works team when historically they haven’t given their own young drivers that opportunity.