Sergio Perez insists he is not concerned about his Red Bull future despite the signing of Daniel Ricciardo as a reserve.
The Mexican scored more points in 2022 than he has ever managed in a single previous Formula 1 campaign. He also finished third in the drivers' standings, narrowly beaten to second place to Charles Leclerc, and doubled his tally of career F1 race wins to four.
But still speculation persists that his Red Bull seat is not entirely secure. Fuel was poured on the fire when he and Max Verstappen had their public falling-out as the Dutchman ignored team orders to let his team-mate through on the final lap of the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The fact Red Bull now have an experienced and talented driver in reserve makes it more likely, in the eyes of some, that the team could drop Perez if he were to have a poor run of form next season. Ricciardo has made no secret of his desire to race for a top team again and he will surely jump at the chance to race in 2023 if asked.
Despite Ricciardo waiting in the wings, Perez says he is not concerned for his place. "We live under a lot of pressure all the time, it doesn't change anything form my side," the former Sauber, McLaren and Racing Point driver told Sky Sports.
Instead, Perez chose to point out the positives of having a third strong driver on the books, from Red Bull's perspective, adding: "I think it's a great achievement from the team to have a driver like Daniel. He's going to contribute a lot to our team.
"He's a great guy, he's one of the guys I get on most with on the paddock. It's great to have Daniel in the team and from my side it doesn't change anything. We started our careers at a similar time so we've known each other a long time. I certainly get on with him."
Assessing the situation, Sky commentator David Croft made the point that neither Perez nor Ricciardo – both in their 30s – are long-term options for the team. "Daniel's a fantastic bloke... but he's not the future of Red Bull, mainly because of age," he said.
"When Max spoke at the end of the season of potentially stopping at the age of 31, that's a big revelation to me. He's already thinking about the time he stops racing. Personally, I'd be trying to evaluate someone else to come in if Checo's not the answer."
