Janice R. Andrews
It looks like Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula 1 career is in real danger again, and this time the Australian driver may only have himself to blame. After getting a second chance in Formula One last summer, Ricciardo was very hopeful of getting a job at Red Bull and possibly taking over for Sergio Perez in 2025. But going into round 18 of the 2024 season at the Singapore Grand Prix, the 35-year-old is in a tough spot. He is 14th in the title standings, 10 points behind his partner Yuki Tsunoda.
There are now rumours that Red Bull’s backup driver Liam Lawson is about to be called up for 2025, which doesn’t look good for Ricciardo’s future in F1. Lots of people think that Lawson might replace Ricciardo as soon as round 19 in Austin on October 20. If that happens, Ricciardo’s 257th and final Grand Prix might be this weekend’s race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
Being honest, Ricciardo admitted that he didn’t know what would happen in the future. He said on Thursday, “So many things are up in the air.” It’s up to us how this weekend goes. “There’s always something to fight for.” When Ricciardo was asked if this might be his last F1 race, he was cautiously hopeful but also honest. “No, but we know how sports work.” It’s been too long for me to know how quickly things can change.
A podium finish might be too much for the Australian driver. A top-10 finish might be more attainable, even though he has only done that three times this season. On the other hand, Tsunoda has already locked down a spot at Red Bull for 2025 and has finished in the top ten seven times this season, making it hard for Ricciardo to make his case.
Recent races by Ricciardo show how he has done in Formula 1 over the last five years. I don’t remember much about his time with Renault and McLaren after he left Red Bull in 2018. Even his surprise win at Monza in 2021 wasn’t enough to protect his future with McLaren. Instead, McLaren chose Oscar Piastri, a younger driver with a lot of potential. This turned out to be a great choice, as Piastri has become one of the best drivers in the sport.
In the past, Ricciardo was very good. For example, he came in seventh place in Mexico City last year and fourth place in the Miami sprint race this May. But those times haven’t happened very often. When Perez didn’t do well, it opened the door for Ricciardo to return to Red Bull. It looks like that door is now closed.
There will be a lot of attention on Ricciardo in what could be his last race. Even though he is very passionate, F1 is a sport that is focused on success. And Ricciardo hasn’t done well in that area, so he doesn’t have much to worry about as his future in the sport becomes less clear.
