02 November 2023 , 10:07
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Sergio Perez has responded to rumours that Daniel Ricciardo could replace him at Red Bull next season, admitting the Australian produced a "tremendous lap" to outqualify him at the Mexican Grand Prix.
Ricciardo qualified fourth in Mexico City, just ahead of Perez in fifth, ramping up speculation about his future. Perez started the season strongly with two wins in the first four races, but his form has dropped off significantly.
He has not been on the podium since the Italian Grand Prix and Lewis Hamilton is now just 20 points behind him in the race for second with three Grands Prix left. Ricciardo, meanwhile, started the season as Red Bull's third driver and has impressed since replacing Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri.
He is set to continue racing for AlphaTauri next season, but his impressive showing in Mexico saw Perez asked about the prospect of losing his seat to Ricciardo. "Well, Daniel did a tremendous lap," Perez admitted after qualifying.
"And I don't think it's just Daniel that wants my seat. I think there are a lot of other drivers that want to be in that seat. And it's great if it's what they deserve, then I'm happy for them."
Pierre Gasly was allowed to leave AlphaTauri due to worries over his F1 future
Things then went from bad to worse for Perez as he was forced to retire from the race after a collision with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, while Ricciardo ended up finishing seventh. Reflecting on the race ahead of the upcoming Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Perez said: "Mexico was devastating for me.
"But in this sport these things happen, and you can't afford to keep going over what could have been. I wanted to win my home race more than anything but that is gone now and my full focus is on finishing second in the championship.
Daniel Ricciardo finished 7th in the Mexican GP (Getty Images)"We need to have a great weekend in Brazil and I feel confident in our ability to get results right now. It felt like things were coming together last weekend with the direction we are taking. I am more comfortable in the car. The work the team and I have put in together is paying off in terms of set-up and performance.
"Brazil is a totally different challenge to Mexico but it's always a fun track, and we have two opportunities to score points this weekend. So, while Sprint weekends are a challenge on set-up, we want to maximise this chance all we can."