Daniel Ricciardo admits the Singapore Grand Prix could be his last F1 race this season, as speculation intensifies about his future and potential replacement by Liam Lawson at Red Bull Racing.
Daniel Ricciardo has not ruled out the possibility that the Singapore Grand Prix could be his last race in F1… this season, but he still hopes to be around in 2025 as speculations about his future intensify.
Ricciardo is fighting to save his career at RB F1 against Liam Lawson. It’s said that the New Zealander could take his place after Singapore and for 2025, but the Australian, who looked anything but cheerful upon arriving in the paddock before the microphones, did nothing to quell the rumors.
“I don’t think so, but I also don’t want to stand here and play lawyer,” he said when asked if Singapore would be his last race.
“I would say no [it won’t be], but we also know how this sport works, so it’s nothing new. But I don’t want to say, ‘Oh, I’m 100% ready to bet my house on it’; I’ve been here too long.”
“I really don’t know what’s going to happen, but what’s crazy in this sport—and I’m talking a bit of crap now—is that if I go all out and land a podium this weekend, then I probably become the hottest driver in the sport.”
“That’s the carousel we’re on, and I know it can change very quickly. I’m aware that things are heating up, but I just have to try to focus this weekend and kick some ass.”
Ricciardo added that the contract negotiation window had opened and, while remaining discreet, indicated that the decision was more about a full-time seat for 2025.
“My first expectation concerns next year, and obviously, I can’t give too many details, but in terms of contract, our dates are now within a decision window.”
“I’m expecting a yes or no for 2025, and I’m aware of some discussions and speculations about the rest of the season (about being replaced by Lawson), but I’m not in the loop, so it’s still speculation. I’m mainly expecting a decision for next year.”
“Unpredictable things have happened in this sport, and I’m not going to stand here boasting or being overly confident, but I believe I’ll be here next year.”
The scenario he’s referring to involves the five races promised to Liam Lawson under his current contract to honor it. But is it likely for Ricciardo to secure a full-time seat in 2025 while Lawson remains a reserve driver? That’s highly unlikely…
Consequently, Ricciardo was asked about other series, in case he is indeed replaced for good.
“IndyCar still scares me! Look, I’ve thought about it because I also considered it a few years ago when I knew I wasn’t going to start the 2023 season.”
“But I know I’m still a competitor. I recognize that I still have a lot of fire in me, but maybe that itch is soothed by doing something else. I don’t know.”
“We’ll see. It’s hard, even to talk about it—just being in the sport and fighting for maybe a tenth place from time to time. It might be the same with another series.”
“And without disrespecting other series, I’m a fan of NASCAR and many other forms of motorsport, but because I’ve been here and experienced the highest highs, will I really thrive doing something else with no guarantee that I’ll be great at it?”
“Is it really going to scratch that itch and give me what I want? I don’t know. I’d probably say ‘no’ more often than ‘yes,’ but these are things I’ll consider if I’m not in this situation.”
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Ricciardo Faces Uncertain F1 Future After Singapore Ricciardo Faces Uncertain F1 Future After Singapore
