Daniel Ricciardo hopes that his strong performance in qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix will silence the rumors about his future. Prior to the race, there were questions about Ricciardo’s position at Red Bull, with reports suggesting that Liam Lawson could replace him in 2025. However, Ricciardo’s struggles this season have hindered his chances of returning to the main team. Despite a setback in the Sprint Qualifying, Ricciardo recovered and nearly made it to Q3 in qualifying.
Ricciardo believes that the criticism of his performance this year has been exaggerated. He acknowledges that he has not met the expectations he set for himself, but also points out that the difference between him and his teammate Yuki Tsunoda has never been significant. While Tsunoda has received praise for his speed on a single lap, Ricciardo does not feel like he is being outperformed by someone who is not fast. He hopes that his strong performance in qualifying will silence the critics.
In preparation for the race, Ricciardo made it clear that he was focused on his own performance and would not engage in speculation about his future. He believes that if he can continue delivering good performances, the narrative around his season will change. Ricciardo understands that his position at Red Bull depends heavily on his on-track performance and is determined to stay focused on that aspect of his career. He hopes that by consistently performing well, he can make Red Bull’s Helmut Marko smile and secure his place in the team.
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