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Daniel Ricciardo believes the narrative surrounding his future after the Singapore GP differs from reality. Speaking to media, including Sportskeeda, the Australian cautiously addressed the speculation about his prospects beyond the current race, maintaining a sense of optimism.
Reports suggesting Ricciardo could be replaced by Liam Lawson after Singapore surfaced following the Baku race weekend. With no contract secured for 2025 and beyond, despite outperforming Yuki Tsunoda in the last two race weekends, Ricciardo finds himself in a tough position as Red Bull evaluates its driver lineup for 2025.
The Australian’s trajectory has seen ups and downs throughout 2024, from being considered a potential replacement for Sergio Perez to facing the possibility of losing his seat with seven races remaining. Red Bull’s options, including Lawson and other juniors, have complicated the decision-making process, despite Ricciardo’s recent surge in form.
Addressing the situation, the 35-year-old said he’s still awaiting a decision on his future for 2025 and beyond. While acknowledging the speculation, he stopped short of directly addressing it. Ricciardo noted that nothing had changed from Zandvoort, where he was confident of completing the 2024 season, to now. After the Belgium GP, Red Bull had assured both Perez and Ricciardo that they would see out the season, but two race weekends later, the scenario and narrative appear to have shifted dramatically.
Asked about what changed between the summer break and the Singapore GP, Daniel Ricciardo said:
“So honestly nothing's changed. I think some of the noise around has changed obviously saying well I even see out the season. But after the kind of August break selection period then it was just okay contract is this, so we're going to basically make the decision for next season based after Singapore. So again I'm aware of the other stuff that's going around, so that's why I've semi-addressed that. But from my understanding it's all for ’25.”
Asked if there was a scenario in his contract suggesting that the Singapore race was his last one, he said:
“I don't think so, but I also don't want to stand here and be the lawyer. But look, I would say no, but also we know how this sport works. But I also don't want to stand here and be the lawyer. People have not seen through a season before so it's nothing new in some in some ways. So I don't want to also be like oh no 100% you know I'll bet all my house on it, but I just I've been around too long.”
Daniel Ricciardo acknowledged the ever-changing narrative surrounding his future
Daniel Ricciardo believes the narrative surrounding his future has swung like a pendulum, constantly shifting. He denied any agreement with Red Bull that would allow him to exit gracefully with a farewell in the final races of the season. Acknowledging the timing and ongoing speculation, the 35-year-old said his primary focus remains on delivering strong performances and making the most of the Singapore race weekend.
Asked if there was a compromise between himself and Red Bull where he is given a farewell tour until Brazil, Ricciardo said:
“I don't know I appreciate it but honestly, I don't know like I really don't know what's gonna happen. And I think what's all this stuff like what's crazy about the sport is and then this is me just now just kind of talking a bit of shit. But I go and get a podium this weekend and then I'm probably the hottest thing in the sport. So it's just that's the kind of the merry-go-round we're on and I know it can change so quickly. So look I'm aware that things are hotting up, so to speak. But I just have to try and get my head down this weekend and kick some arse.”
Daniel Ricciardo has scored only 12 points so far, compared to his teammate Yuki Tsunoda’s 22. However, since the Canadian GP, the Australian has outperformed the Japanese driver in most of the last seven races. Red Bull’s driver lineup dilemma began with early contract renewals for both Tsunoda and Perez, leaving them in a tricky situation regarding the futures of Lawson and Ricciardo. An announcement on their plans for the duo is expected before the USGP in Austin.
