Formula 1: Top 5 replacement candidates for Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull Racing
By Asher Fair
Daniel Ricciardo is leaving Red Bull Racing to join Renault in the 2019 Formula 1 season. Who are the top five candidates to replace him?
In a move that shocked the Formula 1 world, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing’s Daniel Ricciardo signed a two-year contact to join Renault Sport starting in the 2019 season after his fifth consecutive season with Red Bull Racing comes to a close.
Ricciardo signed with the team ahead of the 2014 season to replace Mark Webber, and he has driven for the team ever since. However, when they officially switch from Renault engines to Honda engines next year, he will no longer be one of their two drivers.
This leaves Red Bull Racing in search of a second driver to pair with 20-year-old Max Verstappen, who signed a contract late last season to remain with the team through at least the 2020 season.
While there are several drivers who would likely do well as Ricciardo’s replacement at Red Bull Racing, the team are in a bit of a bind because of the fact that Ricciardo’s impending departure was so unexpected, so their decision as to who their second driver will be next year will likely not be made right away.
Who will the team end up announcing as their second driver for the 2019 season? Here are the top five replacement candidates for the 29-year-old Australian at Red Bull Racing next year.