Red Bull has formula for success: 'It's a perfect scenario'

F1 News

Jordan compares Verstappen and Perez to Schumacher and Irvine
27 February 2023 at 15:31
Last update 27 February 2023 at 20:12
  • GPblog.com

There has been speculation about Sergio Perez's future at the Austrian racing stable since Daniel Ricciardo's return to Red Bull Racing. Eddie Jordan cannot imagine the Mexican being replaced by Ricciardo in the future.

Since Ricciardo made the surprising decision to switch to Renault in 2018, things have only gone downhill for the Australian. After a disappointing spell at McLaren, the driver is not seen on the grid with a permanent seat this season. Instead, Ricciardo has returned to Red Bull as a third driver. Following the announcement, there was immediate speculation about the Australian's future within the team.

Indeed, Perez and Max Verstappen did not end the 2022 season as the best of friends. In Brazil, the Dutchman did not want to let his teammate past to secure second place in the championship. Eddie Jordan does not think the team would replace Perez with Ricciardo because Red Bull has just the ideal situation.

Red Bull has formula for success

"There's not a chance Checo Perez will be replaced by Daniel Ricciardo. Checo is a darling in that team. Remember what Checo does, he is brilliant foil for Max, he is strong, he can win when he needs to win, or when he has the chance and opportunity to win," the former owner of Jordan Grand Prix told reporters in conversation with OLBG.

Despite tensions between the two teammates at the end of 2022, Jordan believes Verstappen and Perez make a strong team. "It's a perfect scenario for Red Bull, as it was for Michael Schumacher and Eddie Irvine. Irvine was happy, he understood the rules, he was being paid on the basis of what he agreed to do. I'm sure Checo is the same." Continuity within the team is now the most important thing. "They will not want to change that."