SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA – JUNE 27: Daniel Ricciardo, 34, of the Visa Cash App RB team from Australia, adjusts his seat in the garage during previews of the Austrian Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring on June 27, 2024 in Spielberg, Austria. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
Ricciardo, 34, has a contract expiring at the end of the season, and his hopes of replacing Sergio Perez at Red Bull next year have been dashed as Perez recently signed a contract extension. Furthermore, Ricciardo’s position at RB, the sister team of champion Red Bull, seems uncertain, with Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko suggesting it is time to bring in a young driver. One potential candidate is 22-year-old Liam Lawson from New Zealand, who has impressed as a substitute and currently serves as a reserve driver for the team.
During a press conference at the Red Bull Ring, Ricciardo revealed that he was unaware of Marko’s comments until he arrived at the track. He expressed his neutrality towards the situation, stating that performance is the most crucial factor in the sport. Ricciardo understands that he must deliver good performances to secure his position in the team. He acknowledged that his smile or other factors unrelated to performance would not be enough to guarantee his place. However, he clarified that he has not faced any pressure or ultimatums from the team so far.
VCARB, the team associated with Ricciardo, has already confirmed Yuki Tsunoda as one of their drivers for 2025. CEO Peter Bayer stated in May that the team is satisfied with both drivers and their focus is on the upcoming races leading up to the summer break. There are three races remaining, including the one in Austria, before the August hiatus.
Ricciardo, who won eight grand prix races in his career, seven of which were with the Red Bull from 2014 to 2018, was surpassed by Tsunoda in the ten races held this season. Last year marked Ricciardo’s return after mutually parting ways with McLaren at the end of 2022. His performance was mixed, with a notable victory in Monza in 2021 standing out among below-average results. (Reported by Alan Baldwin)
