Uncertainty surrounds Daniel Ricciardo’s final F1 race—is it this weekend or in Austin?
Daniel Ricciardo may be facing one of his final races, if not the last, and has stated he would not be satisfied with his F1 career if it does not continue beyond this season.
RB F1 is expected to announce either this weekend or shortly thereafter who will partner Yuki Tsunoda in 2025. With Liam Lawson likely to secure the seat, Ricciardo has reflected on what it would mean for him if his F1 career did not continue.
“If it stopped today, I’d be proud of what I’ve accomplished. But at the same time, you’re never fully satisfied because the reason I got into Formula 1 was to try to become world champion. That’s something I’ll obviously strive for until the day I retire.”
Ricciardo admitted that 2024, this first full season in F1 after being dropped by McLaren at the end of 2022, did not go as planned.
“At the start of the season, I wasn’t meeting my goals or my potential, but I managed to start turning things around. We have a fairly new team which means new goals and new opportunities. For me, it’s obviously about helping the team.”
“At this point, I’m probably looking for a bit more stability and just trying to have continuity for these last years of my career. I don’t want to move around too much but the decision isn’t up to me and it’s coming soon.”
“In the meantime, I’m fine in Singapore and I’m going to continue to give it my all.”
But this weekend’s Singapore GP could well be Ricciardo’s last Formula 1 race.
The rumors circulating all season are now materializing, with several sources reporting that Red Bull has exercised its option on Liam Lawson’s current contract. This option—set to expire at the end of September—appears to guarantee at least five Grand Prix starts in the 2024 season for the 22-year-old New Zealand reserve driver.
“This was probably part of the contract,” commented former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, adding, “otherwise they would have lost Lawson at the end of the month.”
Schumacher believes that RB F1 will announce not only that Lawson will replace Ricciardo full-time in 2025, but that the young driver will also take over the Australian’s seat starting from Austin or shortly thereafter.
“This has not been officially confirmed yet, but unfortunately, it seems that Daniel Ricciardo’s last race will be in Singapore or Austin, and from there, it will be Liam Lawson driving.”
“RB F1 is a junior team, that’s what the management has always said and supported—’We’re going to rely on young drivers.’ And that’s why it makes sense.”
“It’s certainly very unfortunate for Daniel, as we’re going to miss a driver who is very likeable and always a pleasure to meet when you see him in the paddock.”
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Ricciardo Reflects: Pride – No Full Satisfaction Ricciardo Reflects: Pride – No Full Satisfaction
