Ricciardo “unaware” of talk to replace him at RB mid-season

Daniel Ricciardo has played down talk the Singapore Grand Prix will be his last Formula 1 race, but says he has been around too long to completely rule it out.

Red Bull and RB’s senior management are set to make a decision after this weekend’s race in Singapore about their 2025 driver line-up.

And with it looking almost certain that reserve driver Liam Lawson will get the nod to step up to RB as Yuki Tsunoda’s team-mate, there has emerged a scenario where the squad elects to make the switch immediately rather than wait until the start of next season.

That would bring the curtain down on Ricciardo’s F1 career, after a season where he has enjoyed some good results but equally endured some frustrations.

Ricciardo said he was unaware of there being moves for RB to switch drivers in time for the United States Grand Prix, but equally drew short of completely ruling it out.

Speaking about the swirling speculation on his future, the Australian said: “My first expectation is about next year, so that’s where I’m at the moment.

“Obviously, I can’t give too many details, but in terms of contract, yeah, our dates pretty much come into this window now. So basically, I do expect a yes or a no for ’25.

“Then, yeah, I’m aware of some talk and speculation about the rest of the season, but that [being replaced post-Singapore], for me, at the moment, I’m unaware of.

“So, the decision I expect is for next year. But obviously, crazy things have happened in this sport, so I’m also not going to stand here too boastful and confident that, ‘oh yeah’. Like, I believe I will be, but let’s see.”

The RB decision after this weekend revolves around elements in Lawson’s contract needing to be triggered to ensure he does not become a free agent.

Asked directly if there was anything in his own contract that meant Singapore would be his last race, Ricciardo said: “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. You know, people have not seen through a season before, so it’s nothing new in some ways.

“So, I don’t want to also be like, ‘oh, 100% I’ll bet all my house on it’. I’ve been around too long.”

Potentially losing his drive to Lawson would almost certainly mean that Ricciardo will be out of F1 next season, with no other realistic options on the grid.

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