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Daniel Ricciardo expressed frustration with Helmut Marko’s remarks, which suggested that a good result in Singapore could alter his future prospects. Speaking to media, including Sportskeeda, after the race, the Visa Cashapp RB F1 driver stated that the narrative surrounding his career shouldn’t shift from race to race.
Heading into the Singapore GP, Ricciardo faced intense speculation about his future, with rumors suggesting that he might not race in Austin. Marko had commented that if Ricciardo performed well at the street race, things may well continue as normal. In response, the 35-year-old has pushed back, emphasizing that such pressure can’t be placed on every weekend, especially following his disappointing qualifying result.
Despite expectations for a stronger performance, Ricciardo was knocked out in Q1 and will start the race in 16th place. With it being notoriously difficult to overtake on the Marina Bay circuit, his optimism had dwindled as he addressed the media. His hopes of making a statement to silence critics didn’t materialize as planned.
Asked if it hurt more because the RB had the pace yesterday and due to Marko’s remarks about a good result, Daniel Ricciardo said:
“You can't just go from one race to another like, that’s not okay. But I did think today was going to be okay.”
Asked if he expected to perform better given the speculation surrounding his future at the beginning of the weekend, Daniel Ricciardo said:
“Yeah it would be nice to leave a statement but obviously the Q1 thing is like, that sucks. With all the s*** going on, I felt like today we’ll be good today. So that's why I am more like just how did we end up in Q1?”
Daniel Ricciardo admits to having very little optimism going into the Singapore GP
Daniel Ricciardo admitted to having little optimism heading into the Singapore GP after a disappointing qualifying result. Reflecting on his knockout in Hungary, the eight-time Grand Prix winner noted that there was still hope to turn things around. However, after a poor showing during Saturday's qualifying, he acknowledged that securing a strong result would likely take a stroke of luck.
Asked if there was any optimism to go into the race like in Hungary, Daniel Ricciardo replied:
“I think there was still some optimism in Hungary. Yeah, and after Q3 you feel a bit better. I don't know, like looking ahead to tomorrow now, yeah I try to be optimistic, but today was a very pessimistic day. So, I might go drown in my ice bath, you'll find me there tomorrow floating.”
Asked if there were any positives at all to turn things around, he joked saying:
“Hopefully a well timed safety car. Bring Piquet back and let's make it happen."
Daniel Ricciardo currently trails his teammate by ten points in the drivers’ standings, but a strong result in Singapore is more critical for securing his future than simply improving his position. With only six races left on the calendar, the unfolding of the Australian’s story will be closely watched.
