Daniel Ricciardo’s 2024 season has been a struggle, with the Australian driver managing to collect only 12 points so far. As the F1 paddock descends on Singapore, Ricciardo has found himself at the center of intense speculation about his future with AlphaTauri. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has made it clear that Ricciardo’s position is on shaky ground, emphasizing that the Red Bull setup is strictly performance-based—a standard Ricciardo has failed to meet this season.
Marko Hints at Impending Exit: ‘Performance-Based Decisions Only’
Marko’s comments have fueled rumors that Ricciardo’s time with the Faenza-based team could be coming to an end after the Singapore Grand Prix. Marko bluntly stated that Ricciardo was brought into the team due to the underperformance of last season’s lineup, and the veteran driver’s current lackluster results have done little to secure his spot. It is widely rumored that Ricciardo could be replaced after Singapore, adding to the pressure as he fights to keep his F1 career alive.
Red Bull CEO Signals Possible Exit for Ricciardo
In addition to Marko’s pointed remarks, Red Bull CEO also weighed in on Ricciardo’s situation, suggesting that multiple options are being considered for the 35-year-old driver. While Ricciardo remains a fan favorite due to his charismatic personality and upbeat demeanor, F1 is a performance-driven sport, and his results this season have fallen short of expectations.
A Tough Comparison: Ricciardo Struggles Against Young Teammate
Ricciardo’s difficulties have been amplified by the success of his young teammate, who has consistently outperformed the veteran. Despite Ricciardo’s hopes of one day returning to a full-time seat with Red Bull, the reality of his current form makes that prospect increasingly unlikely. Ricciardo’s charm and popularity have always been strong assets, but as Marko and the Red Bull team have made clear, performance is the ultimate deciding factor in the high-stakes world of F1.
Singapore Could Be a Defining Weekend for Ricciardo’s Future
As Ricciardo heads into the Singapore Grand Prix under intense scrutiny, the 81-year-old Marko’s reaction suggests that the Australian’s seat is in jeopardy. With rumors swirling that his replacement is already lined up, Ricciardo faces a pivotal moment in his career. Whether he can turn things around in Singapore or will be shown the exit door remains to be seen, but the message from Red Bull is clear: results are everything.
Ricciardo’s future in F1 hangs in the balance, and with just seven races remaining in the season, every performance will count. As fans watch closely, the Australian driver’s battle to stay on the grid is set to be one of the key storylines of the weekend.
