Actually, the ranking at the Red Bull Formula 1 racing team is clear: the top driver is the two-time world champion Max Verstappen, then nothing comes for a long time. At some point, teammate Sergio Pérez, who is more a wingman than a real challenger, will be behind them. From this year, Daniel Ricciardo, an old acquaintance, will be available as a replacement. However, the Australian should primarily work as a test driver in the background. So simple, so clear. But a sponsorship deal is now explosive in the constellation.
There’s a lot going on at Formula 1 constructors’ world champion Red Bull Racing these days. The racing team only recently presented its new car for the F1 season, which is about to begin. Now two of the team’s riders have landed a special sponsorship deal. Explosive about it: Regular driver Sergio Pérez is not among the two, but substitute Daniel Ricciardo. So does Pérez have to worry about his cockpit? Obviously not.
“I’m very happy with my situation,” Ricciardo recently told Sky Sports. After leaving McLaren, where he was a regular driver for the last two seasons, he “really wants to have more time for himself”, emphasized the Australian, who has been active in Formula 1 for the past eleven years.
The fact that in the back of those responsible he may already have been signed as a replacement for Pérez if he stumbles is not an issue for Ricciardo.
“My plan and my intention is to help the team as much as possible,” he explained. “I will give everything in the simulator, I will help in the races in the meetings and share all my experiences with Max and Sergio to be the best colleague there is,” said Ricciardo. “I’m not waiting according to the motto ‘give me a chance’,” affirmed the 33-year-old.
Statements that should calm Sergio Pérez after he surprisingly didn’t get a chance in a helmet advertising deal.
Because the video game manufacturer Electronic Arts with its subdivision EA Sports will only advertise on the helmets of gaming friend Verstappen and Ricciardo.
Formula 1: Verstappen happy about new partnership
The EA logo can be seen in the chin area on the helmets of the two Red Bull pilots in the coming season. In addition, Verstappen will take on further advertising tasks as part of the partnership.
Appropriately, Electronic Arts recently acquired Codemasters, the longtime maker of the official Formula 1 video game. Verstappen is looking forward to his new role. “Whether it’s playing games with friends or staying competitive off the track, EA Sports has always been a big part of my life,” the two-time F1 world champion was quoted as saying. “EA Sports is an icon for so many millions of fans and I’m proud to represent them in the 2023 season.”