Ricciardo emerges as Red Bull’s top candidate to replace Webber
Daniel Ricciardo’s performances for Toro Rosso have put him ahead in the race to succeed Mark Webber at Red Bull Racing for the 2014 Formula One season.
Daniel Ricciardo has moved ahead of other contenders in Red Bull Racing’s search for a 2014 replacement for Mark Webber, as speculation grows that the Australian veteran could leave Formula One at the end of the season. Ricciardo’s recent results for Toro Rosso have given him an edge over his team-mate Jean-Eric Vergne and external candidates, including Kimi Raikkonen.
The shift in Red Bull’s thinking comes after a turbulent start to 2013 for Webber, including the widely publicised ‘Multi-21’ team orders incident in Malaysia, which exposed tensions between Webber and team-mate Sebastian Vettel. Webber, now 36, has been linked with a switch to Porsche’s Le Mans programme, although neither Red Bull nor Webber has confirmed any plans for 2014.
Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has stated that the team is in no rush to make a decision, but acknowledged that Ricciardo’s recent performances have strengthened his case. Ricciardo’s seventh place finish at the Chinese Grand Prix was particularly noted within the team. Marko has described Ricciardo as currently the better of the two Toro Rosso drivers, citing Vergne’s tendency to overwork the tyres in qualifying as a disadvantage.
Red Bull’s options for 2014
Kimi Raikkonen had been considered a leading candidate for the Red Bull seat, but the team’s management has indicated a preference for promoting from within its own development programme. Both Ricciardo and Vergne are products of Red Bull’s junior system, but Ricciardo’s consistent points finishes and measured approach have set him apart. Team owner Dietrich Mateschitz and Marko have both suggested that Red Bull will retain two ‘top drivers’ regardless of Webber’s decision.
- Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso): Strong recent results and Red Bull junior driver.
- Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso): Also under consideration, but seen as less consistent.
- Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus): Early favourite, but now unlikely as Red Bull looks to its own ranks.
- Mark Webber (Red Bull): Not ruled out for 2014, but facing uncertainty after recent events.
Ricciardo has publicly stated that he is focused on delivering results to secure the promotion, acknowledging that consistent performances are required to convince Red Bull’s management. The decision on the 2014 line-up is expected around the summer, with Ricciardo aiming to prove that his recent form is not a one-off.
Implications for Webber and Red Bull
Webber’s relationship with Vettel remains under scrutiny, but Red Bull has played down the idea that the situation is untenable. Marko has described both drivers as ‘alpha dogs’ but insists their working relationship is functional. The team has not ruled out re-signing Webber, but the momentum now appears to be with Ricciardo, whose age and long-term potential fit Red Bull’s approach to succession planning.
