Daniel Ricciardo named as Max Verstappen’s teammate amid Dutch GP turmoil

It seems F1 journalists around the world weren’t the only ones expecting a change to the Red Bull line-up for the Dutch Grand Prix, with the official racing app declaring Daniel Ricciardo “Verstappen’s teammate”.

All the talk ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, the final Formula 1 race before the summer break, was about changing Red Bull’s line-up in the face of Sergio Perez’s ongoing problems.

Daniel Ricciardo to Red Bull? Dutch GP App Takes It For granted

But despite dropping from second to seventh at the finish in Spa and being beaten once again by Max Verstappen, despite the Dutchman starting nine places behind him, Red Bull made the decision to keep Perez.

“Checo remains a Red Bull Racing driver, despite all the recent speculation,” Red Bull team principal Christian Horner announced after a meeting that was expected to be a key topic of discussion on the way forward.

“We look forward to seeing him compete on tracks where he has performed well before, following the summer break.”

Pundits were left bewildered by numerous warnings to Red Bull that their decision could cost them the Constructors’ Championship.

It was a decision that surprised many people, including the official Dutch Grand Prix app, who were apparently convinced that it would be VCARB’s Ricciardo who would be sitting in the car alongside Verstappen for the Dutch driver’s home race.

More on Red Bull’s decision to continue working with Sergio Perez

👉Sergio Perez: What has changed in the 24 hours since the Belgian Grand Prix?

👉Perez vs Ricciardo revealed: The data behind Red Bull’s big driver decision

“The self-made Honey Badger dog is cute on the outside but fierce on the inside,” Ricciardo’s app description reads.

“Behind Ricciardo’s easy-going demeanor and broad smile lies a razor-sharp driver with character. Ricciardo is a formidable competitor, with podiums and race wins for Red Bull.

“He then had a brief spell at Renault and McLaren, but it didn’t bring him the title. After a short break, he returned to Red Bull, once again showing his speed at AlphaTauri, now RB.”

And then this false step happened…

“As Verstappen’s teammate, he continues to strive for success.”

Oops.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t the first mistake made by Verstappen and his ‘teammates’. Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok has apologised to Perez’s fans for his comment about his teammate.

Speaking at the Goodwood Festival of Speed ​​about the prospect of taking part in the RAC Tourist Trophy, Verstappen told Chandhok he would be up for it: “Maybe Daniel and I could do it together in the same car.”

“Oh, you two could be teammates!” Chandhok replied, before the camera zoomed out to show Sergio Perez standing right next to the duo and doing his best not to lose his smile.

In the face of negative reaction from Perez fans, Chandhok took to social media to say: “To all the Sergio Perez fans. I apologise if you felt I was rude to Checo (Perez) at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

“If you watch the whole video, not just the short clip that appears to be available online, you will see that we are talking about the Goodwood Revival, NOT F1.

“Revival is a cool event and the level of trolling and insults in recent days from Checo fans who didn’t understand the whole story is a real shame.

“I hope this clears things up.”

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