RB has revealed that a “quiet discussion” will be held over the summer break to decide whether Daniel Ricciardo remains with the team in the 2025 Formula 1 season.
The Faenza-based squad has opted to retain Yuki Tsunoda next term and must now decide with Red Bull whether to keep Ricciardo or promote reserve Liam Lawson.
Ricciardo was provided with the chance to stake his claim to return to the parent Red Bull team, but he’s been unable to deliver consistent results since his comeback
With Sergio Perez having penned a contract extension, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has touted that the brand’s shareholders desire to see youth integrated into RB.
Lawson impressed in his outings last term when he replaced the sidelined Ricciardo and he can pursue openings elsewhere should a drive with Red Bull not transpire.
But while the driver market is attracting as much attention as the on-track action, RB CEO Peter Bayer has admitted that the team is in no rush to announce its line-up.
“We’re not in a hurry to take a decision for next year’s line-up,” Bayer said in Austria. “We’ve confirmed Yuki, which was very important for us.
“And our focus currently is on the car. And [we will] go into the summer break and have a quiet discussion.”
Bayer hailed Ricciardo’s contribution since he replaced Nick de Vries at the Italian outfit last summer, but has conceded that RB is designed to develop budding talent.
“Daniel certainly has helped us tremendously,” he acknowledged.
“Looking back last year when he joined the team, he brought a whole new energy and spirit into the team and he has been extremely helpful in supporting Yuki.
“Yuki has just stated very recently that he still keeps learning from Daniel.
“It’s part of our job, also as a mission from the shareholders, to develop drivers. And that’s what we currently do.
“Liam is part of the team, he’s our test driver. He’s in the simulator. As most of you know he will be in the TPC [testing a 2022 car in Imola].
“But the decision on the second seat will be taken quietly, and we’re not in a hurry.”
Red Bull boss Christian Horner, who was behind Ricciardo’s revival, has not denied that the Australian could be replaced mid-season should his results not improve.
“They’re all Red Bull Racing drivers and every Red Bull driver knows that there’s always pressure and scrutiny,” he stated.
“Daniel is in the seat and it’s down to him to make the most of that. And then in Formula 1 things are always fluid.”
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