“If we carry on like this, we’re f*****,” he says, referring to the constructors’ championship.

“What are we gonna do with our Mexican? I’m starting to think it’s diminishing returns. This weekend, we have to look very carefully at the other drivers [on the Red Bull books: Ricciardo, Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson].

“I’m a big fan of Daniel. He’s not been competitive, but we know what he’s capable of. I think he can sniff that there’s a bit of a chance.”

Ricciardo is then seen getting a briefing on the situation from the Red Bull’s head of communications Paul Smith, confirming that this indeed could be his big moment to get back into the senior team.

“I just wasn’t sure how much they’ve made aware to the public that Checo was somewhat on the verge,” Ricciardo tells Smith.

“What Christian’s been saying publicly is: the way that it’s been approached with Checo is through a lot of support, right?” replies Smith.

“As opposed to, we’re definitely f****** replacing Checo, he’s f*****, DR is in [at Red Bull], Liam is in at VCARB [Racing Bulls]…”

“Happy days!” replies a smiling Ricciardo to the theoretical scenario.

However, that famous beam soon disappears when it’s made clear what the switch would depend upon.

“So for you, I think Christian’s taking the time to see what happens here [at the British GP and beyond], he needs success,” emphasises Smith.

“Yeah… that’s cool,” agrees Ricciardo. The Australian clearly requires a good race at Silverstone – and says to Netflix he enjoys the big pressure moments.

However, starting 15th the Australian labours his way through the grand prix, finishing just two places above where he began on a wet race which could have been an opportunity for big points.

Perez does even worse, starting 19th but coming home 17th and last. In terms of a replacement, Horner’s left with Hobson’s choice – and it’s clear Ricciardo has blown his big chance.

“We don’t have anybody else in the other car [VCARB] that is putting in performances that are like ‘wow’,” Horner says.

Later on Ricciardo admits he’s not sure he has the conviction to take on the dangers of F1 head-on any more.

The Australian describes the experience of driving in the rain at Silverstone as “kind of terrifying – I know I should take risks, but I’m also like if I crash that doesn’t do me any favours.

“Silverstone did not go good. In those tricky conditions… I don’t know. I guess I don’t want to admit it – I believe I’m still willing to put it all on the edge. I guess maybe I asked the question now, where as a 22-year-old or a 25-year-old you probably don’t ask the question: is it worth the risk?”

Meanwhile Red Bull reserve driver Lawson – since promoted to the senior team for 2025 – is chomping at the bit to take Ricciardo’s seat. We can hear him being coached off-screen by Smith while being interviewed by Netflix.

“So Liam ‘respectful hunger,’” he dictates. “So you really want this seat…”

“But I’m respectful?” Lawson replies rhetorically. “But I’m not respectful!”

“I need to drive. I’m going crazy not driving,” the Kiwi is also seen saying at Silverstone before adding later. “I can’t take this much longer. Just hanging around, watching racing, I’m losing my mind mate.”

As it becomes apparent, it’s Lawson that’s shown the desire that Horner wants, not Ricciardo. Perez survived being axed and it was the Australian who was let go in mid-season in 2024 – Lawson was put into the latter’s seat as an audition later for the senior team.

Ricciardo has now gone into an indefinite racing sabbatical, while Lawson has in the Red Bull drive the former said he wanted so badly.

To read Motor Sport’s full review and verdict on Netflix F1: Drive to Survive Season 7, click here.