Mid-Season Pressure: Three Drivers with Something to Prove
Image Credit: Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
Now that we are halfway through the 2024 season, the pressure will start to build on drivers and teams alike. The 2025 drivers' market is intriguing, as many teams will still be looking for a new pilot for next season. For drivers looking for a new destination next year, pressure will build as they need to showcase their abilities to the best of their abilities.
Sergio Perez
At the start of the season, it looked to be an excellent year for Perez. The Mexican had signed a new two-year deal with Red Bull, which put to rest any discussion of him leaving the Milton Keynes-based team anytime soon. However, his performance level has dropped significantly since he re-signed with the team. It has led to rumours that Daniel Ricciardo will replace Perez after the summer break. The former Racing Point driver has been in poor form lately, with teams like McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari picking up their development quickly. For Red Bull, winning a race isn't as easy as in other seasons. Christian Horner will need both drivers to perform their best to secure a third consecutive constructors' championship. At the moment, if Perez doesn't pick up his performance, Red Bull will likely lose the constructors' title, and he will lose his drive.
Daniel Ricciardo
Even though he could potentially replace Perez, Ricciardo's seat is up for grabs. This is because Team RB is the junior setup for Red Bull. Historically, this has meant that the Italian outfit is used to develop young drivers for the team. Drivers such as Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, and a young Ricciardo have all raced for the team. However, over the past couple of seasons, Team RB has been leaning forward toward more experienced racing drivers such as Nyck de Vries and Ricciardo. Yet, it looks like Helmut Marko wants the team to return to its roots and re-focus on the development of young drivers. The driver program has a lot of young, exciting talent in the junior categories. However, Liam Lawson looks to be the odds-on favourite to take any vacant Red Bull seats. This means that Ricciardo has the remaining races to prove he has what it takes to get the top job, or he could be out of the sport altogether. The Australian will be looking to find his old race-winning form to show people what he is all about.
George Russell
George Russell's situation differs slightly from the two previous drivers mentioned. It is because the Englishman does not have to worry about losing his seat. Before the season even began, it was announced that Sir Lewis Hamilton would be leaving Mercedes for Ferrari at the end of the season. This means the German team will lose one of the more experienced competitors on the grid. From the sounds, it looks like Andrea Kimi Antonelli is the favourite person to take the seat. If Mercedes decides to make this move, Russell must become a lead driver. It would mean the Brit could build the storied team around him. Russell will have to finish the season strong to show the team he is the whole package.
It will be interesting to see how the rest of the season plays out, as each driver will look to prove themselves.
Do you love sport? Checkout the rest of Expansive Sports we cover sports like rugby, football, and motorsport. If you fancy it, give us a follow on X, Instagram, and TikTok.