Karun Chandhok jokes about Sergio Perez vs Daniel Ricciardo shootout after cryptic journalist tweet

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Sky Sports presenter and former driver Karun Chandhok has joked about where Max Verstappen might be driving for the rest of the season.

Chandhok took to X, formerly Twitter, after a cryptic tweet from respected journalist Albert Fabrega.

In the aftermath of the Mexico City Grand Prix, Fabrega took to social media and simply said: “I don’t want to believe the rumour that they have told me now in the paddock. No.”

This has unsurprisingly sent the Formula 1 rumour mill into overdrive.

On the face of it, there’s only one seat that’s currently available for the 2024 season.

Williams are still yet to confirm who will be Alex Albon’s teammate with rookie Logan Sargeant not doing enough to convince the team to offer him a new contract just yet.

However, there are other drivers on the grid struggling or potentially unhappy with their current situation.

It’s hard to imagine Fernando Alonso is overly pleased with Aston Martin’s current pace.

Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly aren’t the best of friends but will both be at Alpine next season.

Chandhok has joked that Max Verstappen might have to give his seat away at Red Bull for the rest of the season to settle who will be his teammate next season.

It would be a huge call – and incredibly unlikely – but Red Bull are well known for their man stunts.

Chandhok jokes Verstappen will drive for AlphaTauri in Brazil

Replying to Fabrega’s mysterious tweet, Chandhok said: “Hmmm… Max to Alpha Tauri to help them move up in Constructors… Daniel vs Checo 3 race shootout for 2024 seat??!!

“Or maybe this was the end of the Taco stand in the paddock??”

It would obviously be ridiculous to drop Verstappen down to partner Yuki Tsunoda at AlphaTauri for the next three weekends.

He’s scored more than double the points of teammate Sergio Perez, but he has records he wants to chase.

Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo do appear to be competing for the same seat next season even if the Mexican already has a contract for 2024.

Red Bull are notorious for making ruthless decisions and if they think Ricciardo will be a better fit to partner with Verstappen next season, then they might move Perez on.

He struggled at his home race and has been in poor form since Zandvoort, recording just one podium in that time.

Chandhok may have joked about Verstappen dropping down to AlphaTauri but Red Bull might wish they could live out this scenario.

Instead, they’re going to be watching Ricciardo closely while hoping Perez can rediscover some form after a disappointing few months.