Max Verstappen’s answer to Daniel Ricciardo vs Sergio Perez question speaks volumes.

There are recurring rumors that Daniel Ricciardo might replace Sergio Perez, even though Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez are scheduled to race together again at Red Bull in 2024.

Daniel Ricciardo might have a chance to take Sergio Perez’s spot for the upcoming season, according to Max Verstappen’s hint.

This season, the Dutchman has totally outperformed his current teammate. Perez has less than half of his points total and is in a tight race with Lewis Hamilton for second place in the championship, but he already won the drivers’ title weeks ago.

Perez has a contract for 2024 and Red Bull have consistently backed their driver to rediscover his best form. But that hasn’t stopped speculation that Ricciardo is being primed to replace him.

And following the Mexican Grand Prix this past weekend, the commotion surrounding that specific rumor only got louder. After outqualifying his competitor for that Red Bull seat in the slower sister AlphaTauri car, Perez wrecked his home race at the first corner, and the Australian finished seventh.

When asked about his teammates’ circumstances for the upcoming season, Verstappen tried to emphasize that he will be content to continue collaborating with Perez. However, he did imply that there is a possibility the Mexican will no longer be a Red Bull racer in 2024.

“If it’s Checo next year, we have a good working relationship,” he said, raising eyebrows with his lack of certainty over the matter. “If it is Daniel, we’ll have fun. F1 is a tough sport.”

He went on to dodge a question over who he would choose to race alongside next year. “I find it a bit unfair to sit here and say who I would prefer,” he replied when asked if he would welcome Ricciardo back to the team with open arms.

It’s no secret that Ricciardo wants to take back the seat he left empty five years ago. However, the 34-year-old stated in an exclusive interview with Mirror Sport that he will be happy if Red Bull does not make a comeback with the cars during these last few years of his Formula One career.

“The long term goal is to return to that team and that car, but I also stated that I want to stay here if there isn’t an opening,” he stated. The team is rebuilding for the upcoming season, so if there’s anything I can do to help push this group forward and earn them more respect, that would be it. This is it, if it’s not the big team.

They’ve advised me to take full advantage of this chance. His AlphaTauri teammate Yuki Tsunoda has been playing really well this year, so I use him as a benchmark and a good gauge. I have to work hard to contribute to the team and try to score some points before moving on.”