Red Bull is poised to potentially revise its driver rosters for both of its Formula 1 teams after the upcoming August hiatus.
Daniel Ricciardo is at a crossroads, facing either an exit from the junior team RB or a possible ascension to Red Bull Racing for the final part of 2024.
"Obviously going up (to Red Bull Racing), that's my goal," the Australian stated at Spa.
"I'd love to return, but you know there's also talks of 'will I even be here?"
Sergio Perez's future also hangs in the balance, possibly participating in his last 2024 race at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend. Team principal Christian Horner has acknowledged the significant and ongoing performance gap between Perez and teammate Max Verstappen after Friday practice, describing it as "too big."
"Checo's future is in his hands," he mentioned to Sky Italia. "In the next 11 races we have to defend the constructors' title, so we need two drivers who can score points, so experience is important."
This emphasis on 'experience' appears to cast doubt on Liam Lawson as Perez's successor, though the New Zealand rookie is favored to take over Ricciardo's slot at RB.
Perez, however, refutes claims that he might activate a poor performance clause in his contract, despite team advisor Dr Helmut Marko's frequent references to such clauses.
"You have to ask Helmut that," Perez firmly said. "But have I been given a goal in the standings? Absolutely not."
Marko, speaking at Spa, pointed out late on Friday, "He has to be closer to Max, or score reasonable points."
Laurent Mekies, the boss at the Faenza-based junior team, acknowledges the likelihood of adjustments during the break.
"Well, yes, there have been a lot of speculations," the Frenchman confirmed. "I think we've made it very public that we will sit down in the summer break in order to discuss the drivers' futures."
