Daniel Ricciardo is optimistic that he will complete the remaining Formula 1 races in 2024 with RB, but he has conceded that he can’t “bet my house” on that outcome.
Ricciardo’s position beyond this campaign remains unresolved as Red Bull weighs up whether to retain his services or promote Liam Lawson to partner Yuki Tsunoda.
However, there has been speculation circulating that Ricciardo could even be let go before the ongoing campaign concludes to give Lawson a headstart on next term.
But while he has acknowledged the rumours that have materialised, the Australian anticipates an outcome on his 2025 prospects to precede news about this season.
“Let’s say my first expectation is about next year,” Ricciardo told media including Motorsport Week. “So that’s, let’s say, where I’m at at the moment. It’s where I’m at.
“I can’t give too many details, in terms of contracts, yeah, our dates pretty much come into this window now. Basically I do expect a yes or a no for ’25.
“I know there’s obviously, I’m aware of some talk and speculation about the rest of the season. But that for me at the moment, I’m unaware of.
“The decision I expect is for next year. Obviously crazy things have happened in this sport.
“I’m also not going to stand here too boastful and confident and ‘oh yeah yeah’. Like, I believe I will be [on the grid], but let’s obviously see.”
Ricciardo, who replaced Nyck de Vries midway through last term, has conceded that Red Bull’s cutthroat reputation means there are no guarantees he’ll see out 2024.
Asked whether there was a scenario that meant this could be his last race, Ricciardo responded: “I don’t think so, but I also don’t want to stand here and be the lawyer.
“Look, I would say no, but also we know how this sport works. People have not seen through a season before. It’s nothing new in some ways.
“So I don’t want to also be, ‘oh, 100%, I’ll bet all my house on it’. I’ve been around too long.”
Ricciardo, though, has claimed that the perception surrounding his F1 hopes could swing in the circumstance he delivers a strong showing in Singapore this weekend.
Asked whether he could compromise on a planned farewell tour in Brazil next month and miss the last three races, Ricciardo remarked: “I appreciate it.
“But honestly I don’t know. I really don’t know what’s going to happen.
“Look, I think, all this stuff, what’s crazy about the sport is, I go and get a podium this weekend, and I’m probably the hottest thing in the sport.
“So it’s just, that’s the kind of the merry-go-round we’re on. I know it can change quickly.
“I’m aware that things are hotting up so to speak, but I just have to try and get my head down this weekend. Yeah. Kick some arse!”
Meanwhile, the eight-time race winner has also insisted that a dream return to Red Bull’s parent team remains an option should it elect to dispense with Sergio Perez.
“Honestly, so during the August break when they said, ‘look, there won’t be any changes, crack on for the second half, and yeah, obviously you treated the pre-summer break, those last two races, the way you did, treat the next handful the way you have’. It’s really that,” Ricciardo recalled.
“I also know looking at next year, it could also go, in the middle, being in the middle kind of thing, it could go one way, it could go another.
“That’s why I just keep my head down and see what happens. They have made me aware of it, things could be great, and things could look different. So see what happens.”
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