The Imola Test: A "Filming Day"
Ricciardo and Lawson are set to drive the 2024 VCARB F1 car during their time at Imola, but Horner has made it clear that this is not a traditional test session aimed at evaluating driver performance or car setups. Instead, he describes the day as primarily being about filming, with the purpose of generating content for Red Bull’s various media platforms and promotional materials.
“It’s a filming day, so they’ll be filming. It’s all about content,” Horner stated. He further clarified that the test is not a tyre test but an opportunity to capture engaging footage with the current car. “It is in the current car, because you can do 200 km in the current car. So they’ll both be doing plenty of filming,” Horner explained.
This characterization of the test raises questions about its actual impact on the ongoing debate regarding Perez’s future with the team. Many observers had initially speculated that the test might serve as a “shootout” to determine whether Ricciardo or Lawson would step in for Perez, who has faced a challenging few months.
Sergio Perez’s Struggles and Red Bull’s Position
Sergio Perez’s recent performances have been a cause of concern for Red Bull. The Mexican driver has struggled to score points, managing only 28 in the last eight races. This slump in form has jeopardized Red Bull’s dominant position at the top of the Constructors’ Championship, raising the possibility of a mid-season change.
Horner, however, remains steadfast in his support for Perez. “We’re in a great position where we’ve got all the info,” he stated. “The priority is to support Checo, and to understand what he needs. We all want him to turn it around, we want to see him deliver.
Historical Context: Red Bull’s Mid-Season Changes
It’s worth noting that Red Bull has a history of making mid-season driver changes when deemed necessary. Max Verstappen’s promotion to replace Daniil Kvyat ahead of the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix and Alex Albon’s replacement of Pierre Gasly during the 2019 summer break are examples of the team’s willingness to make bold decisions in pursuit of better results.
Given this history, speculation about Ricciardo and Lawson’s potential roles remains prevalent. Nevertheless, Horner’s recent statements suggest that the focus remains on supporting and improving Perez’s performance rather than immediately considering a change.
Ricciardo’s Recent Performance
Horner offered a measured assessment of Ricciardo’s recent performances, acknowledging the Australian driver’s solid showing in recent races. “I think he’s done alright,” Horner remarked. “I haven’t looked at the race, I only saw the end result that he was 11th [10th after Russell’s DSQ], and starting on the soft tire, he’s obviously driven a good race.”
Ricciardo’s performance has been a topic of interest, given his previous tenure with Red Bull and his recent return to the F1 grid. While his results have been commendable, Horner’s emphasis on the Imola test being a filming day suggests that Ricciardo’s role at Red Bull might be more about media exposure and less about immediate driver evaluation.
Red Bull’s Strategy
As Red Bull prepares for the upcoming test at Imola, all eyes will be on the team’s decisions and strategies. The emphasis on content creation rather than driver assessment indicates that any potential changes involving Ricciardo, Lawson, or Perez might not be immediate. Instead, Red Bull seems to be focusing on providing support to their current driver lineup while leveraging media opportunities to enhance their brand presence.
In summary, Christian Horner’s recent statements clarify that the forthcoming test involving Ricciardo and Lawson is not as crucial for driver selection as some might have anticipated. With Sergio Perez’s performance under the spotlight, Red Bull’s approach appears to be one of cautious support, aiming to help their current driver turn his fortunes around. The test at Imola will likely provide valuable content for the team, but its role in shaping the future lineup remains uncertain.
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