Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula 1 future appears tenuous for the time being. Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula 1 future appears tenuous for the time being.
And speaking ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, the Australian driver addressed that unsure future.
In the wake of feedback from Red Bull Senior Advisor Dr. Helmut Marko that Visa Cash App RB F1 Team could possibly be turning to Liam Lawson, in addition to a submit on social media from F1 journalist Joe Saward that the group may transfer to Lawson this summer season, Ricciardo opened up about his standing with the group.
“I’ve change into actually good at not studying issues,” he told assembled media in Austria. “So I truly didn’t find out about [Marko’s comments] till I used to be instructed once I acquired right here.
“I don’t really feel a technique or one other about it, I nonetheless know that the overriding factor on this sport is efficiency. Like that’s it and that’s what’s going to give me my finest likelihood of staying right here. I do know that it’s not going to be my good smile or anything.”
Speaking with Austrian outlet Kleine Zeitung forward of this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, Marko indicated {that a} transfer in a youthful path at Visa Cash App RB F1 Team could also be coming down from on excessive. “The shareholders have made it clear that [VCARB] is a junior group and we have now to behave accordingly,” said the Red Bull advisor.
That may very effectively imply that Ricciardo is out, and Lawson is in, for 2025.
“The goal was for Ricciardo to qualify for a return to Red Bull Racing with distinctive performances. That seat now belongs to Sergio Perez, in order that plan is off the desk. We should put in a younger driver quickly,” continued Marko. “That could be Liam Lawson.”
Naturally, every thing in F1 wants a little bit of context, in addition to the requisite grain of salt or two. Marko could possibly be trying to push Ricciardo in direction of improved efficiency, or there could possibly be different negotiations at play. In addition, the feedback from Marko that VCARB is a “junior group” run in distinction to earlier statements from the organization about how the group would function.
Ricciardo posited that Marko’s feedback could possibly be a way of motivation greater than anything.
“I stated I actually do take pleasure in being again within the [Red Bull] household,” added Ricciardo. “I weirdly do take pleasure in generally a bit little bit of the pokes from Helmut as a result of I feel it additionally is also a strategy to get me a bit bit fired up and attempt to get one of the best out of me.”
Still, Ricciardo was clear about what he must do to safe his future.
“It’s the on-track stuff so I’ve clearly acquired alternative, I say till the summer season break,” continued Ricciardo. “I don’t assume that’s a deadline however clearly that’s what you have a look at for the primary half of the season. So I attempt to do what I can and clearly assist my trigger.”
As for whether or not an choice with one other group could possibly be in play, Ricciardo made one factor clear.
It is VCARB or bust.
“I might say no,” stated Ricciardo. “I don’t know however I’m, to not be cussed or conceited about it, however I’m not trying wherever else.”
