Daniel Ricciardo has expressed that he’s not interested in sounding out opportunities in Formula 1 outside Red Bull as speculation continues over his 2025 prospects.
Ricciardo is in an unprecedented position where he could end up earning a step-up to Red Bull’s senior team or losing his current seat with RB altogether next season.
Yuki Tsunoda has penned a contract renewal with RB, while Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has said that reserve Liam Lawson is guaranteed a spot on the 2025 grid.
Should Lawson be handed an RB drive, Ricciardo’s hopes will reside in convincing the reigning champions to drop Sergio Perez to slot him alongside Max Verstappen.
The Australian, who was linked with a mid-season swap amid Perez’s wretched streak, has acknowledged that his results before the break didn’t warrant a promotion.
However, Ricciardo has ruled out pursuing potential contingencies elsewhere, as he remains determined to secure a place with either Red Bull-owned team next term.
Asked whether his entire focus was on Red Bull, Ricciardo told media including Motorsport Week: “Yeah, it’s there. I think also, look, I’m most happy being back here.
“I also, kind of speaking on performance, it’s kind of nice not looking elsewhere. Or, you know, having maybe other little distractions because I can just focus on this.
“Look, it’s an all-in approach, but I think that approach will also get the most out of me. And if that is still not enough, then c’est la vie.
“But I think that will also bring, it kind of intensifies it, but also simplifies it. So I think it’s the best approach.
“I also, look, I know it’s not coming from a stubborn place, but I don’t really want to be anywhere else either.”
Ricciardo could be considered a viable candidate to take the vacant Sauber drive as the Hinwil-based squad prepares to morph into a works Audi setup come 2026.
But the eight-time race winner has explained that a rival team has not approached him as he has made it clear that his sole desire is to remain in the Red Bull stable.
“Maybe they’re [other teams] just like, ‘well, no one’s reached out, so screw them’,” he added.
“No, I’m not going to say everyone’s like calling me like, ‘hey, well, if this doesn’t work, we’ve got something for you’.
“But I think also I’ve been quite open about not wanting to… I’ve obviously done a bit of jumping around the last few years, and that in itself can be tiring.
“I feel like I’ve worked my way back to this place, and also Red Bull has given me the opportunity to be back here, so it’s not something I just want to dismiss and, okay, well, there is no next thing for me, this is it, and I’m appreciative of what they’ve been able to give me now, and I really just want to try and make it work with them.”
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