Daniel Ricciardo addresses the swirling speculation about his F1 future and his aspirations to return to Red Bull Racing, amidst recent performance comparisons.
The RB F1 driver has made it clear in recent months that his goal is to eventually return to Red Bull Racing, but the Australian’s recent performances, which seem a bit lacking in comparison to Yuki Tsunoda in terms of sheer speed, appear to diminish that prospect.
So, what is his stance today? Does he still think the same way? And what must he do to convince his bosses that he could return to Red Bull’s main team?
“I don’t subscribe to any of the speculation, if you will. I obviously know where I stand within the team. I’m aware of, let’s say, certain potential things that could happen if I perform really well. But that’s just… That’s all you know. I think in any team you’re with, you know that if you have a very good season, it could possibly lead to something different or improve your standing from where you currently are.”
“I think our goal is always to do our best. My aim is to drive this car as well as I can. Returning to F1 full-time, I’m definitely not looking too far ahead. So, am I thinking about the Red Bull seat you’re talking about? No, I know that if I get really good results, then maybe that opportunity could potentially present itself.”
“It’s not something I’m thinking about because, yes, as you said, 12 months ago, I wasn’t in this position. I didn’t know if I would find myself back in an F1 seat. So, I’m taking it weekend by weekend. There will always be speculation but I know my job and what I have to do.”
“After the first two races, it hasn’t been amazing. but I’m not worried, I think it’s just two races out of 24 and there are a lot of new faces in the team who also aren’t at 100% yet. So, it’s too early for anyone to judge. Right now, I really want to have a good weekend and do well at home.”
Dr. Helmut Marko was quite outspoken last week. Tsunoda’s qualifying sessions are “fantastic,” but “a solution must be found” for Ricciardo.
“No, those comments aren’t bothersome,” Ricciardo responds.
“The most important part is driving, but a big part also involves talking. Obviously, when things go well, everyone speaks positively, and when they don’t, the talk isn’t so positive. So, it’s part of the game.”
“I also think that the more I delve into the sport, the more I realize I’m back here because I believe I can do it. I believe my place is here.”
“When people ask: do you have something to prove or whatever, or do you need to keep people happy or please someone, I’m here for myself. That’s honestly it, because I know I can still do it. I want to make people proud, those who support me.”
“If someone says something, I already know it, because I’ve said it to myself, or I know what is expected of me. Of course, I want to qualify in Q3. I want to achieve the results I believe I can achieve. But it’s tight. We’re in such a tight pack. And in Bahrain during qualifying, I knew I hadn’t put in the lap I should have. And I raised my hand to that. And that’s the difference. That’s the difference between maybe a 14th place and a Q3. I think at the end of Q1 in Saudi Arabia, from 9th to 16th place, it was less than a tenth. So, you can quickly look like a hero or not. And that’s where every tenth counts.”
Ricciardo admits that 2024 could also be his last season in Formula 1.
“As I’ve said, considering how the last year or two have been for me, I’m just taking the races week by week.”
“That’s how I’m approaching it professionally now and living my life. I’m not really thinking about ‘Oh, if I get this result, then maybe that means this.'”
“I’m just trying to approach each weekend a bit like I did ten years ago – with a bit to prove to myself more than anything that I belong in this world.”
“And if it’s my last year, then I’m going to make sure it’s a good one. I don’t have much to lose since I nearly lost my spot for good 18 months ago.”
Ricciardo Speaks Out Amid Red Bull Rumors. Ricciardo Speaks Out Amid Red Bull Rumors
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