Daniel Ricciardo’s chances at being on the 2025 Formula 1 grid are set to come down to remaining with RB as he revealed he is not pursuing opportunities elsewhere.
Ricciardo’s prospects past the current season remain in the balance as Red Bull weighs up whether to retain him or promote reserve Liam Lawson to a full-time drive.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko ramped up the pressure on Ricciardo last week as he hinted the Austrian company’s shareholders are angling to see youth integrated.
Ricciardo’s revival came with the intention to return to the parent Red Bull team, but his struggle to extract consistent results has seen the door close on that opening.
However, the Australian has repeated that he desires to partner the renewed Yuki Tsunoda at RB in 2025 and isn’t making contingencies in case that doesn’t transpire.
Asked whether he had other options, Ricciardo stated: “I would say no. I mean, I don’t know. Not to be stubborn or arrogant about it, but I’m not looking anywhere else.
“I’ve said it, I really do enjoy being back in the family.
“I weirdly do enjoy sometimes a little bit of pokes from Helmut, because I think it also can also be a way to get me a little bit fired up and try and get the best out of me.”
Several drivers whose futures are undetermined have expressed that awaiting an outcome on Carlos Sainz’s 2025 decision is preventing them from finalising moves.
However, Ricciardo has explained that he is avoiding being sucked into F1 driver market distractions as he endeavours to deliver on the track to preserve his RB seat.
Despite RB announcing that a choice will be taken over the summer, the eight-time grand prix winner is not concerned that would be too late to salvage another drive.
Questioned on whether he was worried that all the places could be gone in a circumstance where he was told that RB opted to replace him, Ricciardo answered: “No.
“I sound casual, I don’t want to be casual about it, because obviously I care a lot. But I don’t know.
“Maybe I’m at a point where it’s just like, what will be will be.
“I’m just going to put everything I can on the table from an effort and performance, and if that is good enough to secure me a seat, great.
“If not, then OK, I did everything I could.
“I think in terms of the musical chairs stuff, whatever it’s called, yeah, I think if I get focused on that, then I’m… I need to put all my attention here. Simple as that.”
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