Ricciardo needs to show “head-turning form” for 2025 chance – Horner

Daniel Ricciardo needs to produce some eye-catching performances to stand a chance of being chosen for a return to Red Bull, says team principal Christian Horner.

The eight-times grand prix winner was previously talked of as a potential replacement for Sergio Perez when he returned to F1 with Red Bull’s junior team last year. However, he is yet to score a point this season, while team mate Yuki Tsunoda has already done so.

Horner said in China that Ricciardo’s chances of winning promotion to the top team are “pretty much in Daniel’s hands.”

“He needs to show the kind of head-turning form to make not only ourselves but potentially to make others take notice,” he said.

Ricciardo’s frustrating season continued in China. Two weeks after retiring on the first lap at the Japanese Grand Prix in a collision with Alexander Albon, he was hit from behind during a Safety Car period by Lance Stroll. He was running in ninth place at the time.

Red Bull is also weighing up whether to promote Liam Lawson to one of its team following his impressive debut as a substitute for Ricciardo last year.

“Obviously, waiting in the wings is a driver with the talent of Liam Lawson, who naturally is champing at the bit to get an opportunity,” said Horner. “But there’s nothing pre-set or preordained as to when or even if that would take place.

“The priority is for sure for the drivers that are in the race seats at the moment and we’ll see how that pans out.”

Horner indicated Tsunoda may also be under consideration for a Red Bull drive in the future.

“Obviously, we keep a close eye on the drivers, we keep a close eye on their development. And I have to say, Yuki, conversely, has had a great start to the season and is driving very well. So, for us, as a sister team, we take a close interest on those drivers.”

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