Ricciardo doubtful as Red Bull switch looms

Daniel Ricciardo is doubtful Red Bull Racing will terminate Sergio Perez in the August break as speculation escalates that Aussie is in line to return to his former team.
Ricciardo harboured his ambition to return to the seat he vacated in 2018 earlier this year, sparking speculation he could return alongside Max Verstappen in place of Perez.
While the option appeared to diminish when Perez announced his contract extension, his ongoing poor performances have limited his ability to climb above the confident McLaren’s.
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McLaren has closed the gap in the constructors’ championship to 51 points thanks to Perez’s results, with a Q1 crash in Hungary leaving the Mexican struggling to climb the grid from 16th.
But Perez claims he remains confident his position at Red Bull is safe.
“It’s no different to what it was in Hungary or [at the first race] in Bahrain or how it will be in Zandvoort or the rest of the year,” Pérez said.
Sergio Perez looks on after crashing at the start during the Monaco Grand Prix. Clive Rose via Getty Images
“Every single weekend we’ve got to deliver the maximum, especially now that with McLaren catching up in the constructors.
“It’s really important to put everything together, if we can achieve it.
“I know basically what’s in my contract and I know what the team trusts in me. I know where I stand, that’s not my concern.
“My only concern is to get my season back on track. The rest, I’m pretty chilled about.”
Ricciardo and New Zealand driver Liam Lawson have been linked to replace the 34-year-old Red Bull driver after the break.
Daniel Ricciardo (R) and Liam Lawson (L) ride a buggy in the Paddock. Getty
When asked if he suspects any changes to be made by Christian Horner in August, Ricciardo stressed he remains only focus on himself.
“Just focusing on myself and what I can do. Every race or few races the narrative changes and that’s the sport we’re in,” he said.
“Things are happening quickly and you’ve just got to try and focus on yourself and get the most out of that, then see where the wind takes me.
“I’d love to return, but you know, there’s also talks [of] will I even be here?
“I still speak with Christian (Horner) and Helmut (Marko) on that side still quite a lot. A lot still goes through them.
“I just really made a point to every race prepare, and of course, you do what you can. That’s that, so we’ll see.”
Daniel Ricciardo of Visa Cash App RB walks in the Pitlane at Silverstone. Formula 1 via Getty Images
Ricciardo said he would not be altering his approach to racing in favour of the rumours.
“I’m definitely happier where I am now than the first few races of the season. I felt good all season, but it wasn’t quite clicking, for lack of a better word,” Ricciardo said.
“I think I’ve been able to get more out of myself, certainly the last few races. I think it’s trending in the right direction, and I think that’s obviously important.
“Coming into Budapest, I knew it was going to be two important weekends coming up before the break [to] obviously hit the break with a bit of momentum.
“I don’t want to say you’re as good as your last race, but when it comes to these moments, these races are more critical than any other.
“That’s where my head’s at – try and do well.”