Tag Archives: Daniel Ricciardo

Ricciardo was denied a proper send-off in Singapore

RB boss Laurent Mekies admits that Red Bull and the Italian team could have tackled Daniel Ricciardo’s last race weekend in Singapore in a different way and says the way it unfolded that it was “frustrating”.

All parties insisted during the weekend that no decision had been made on the Australian’s future, while it was clear to observers that Liam Lawson was being lined up to drive from Austin onwards. The official announcement was made the following week.

Ricciardo was thus denied the traditional farewell granted to retiring or departing drivers, something that did not gone unnoticed by close friend Max Verstappen.

“I think it was quite clear for me, and for Daniel, that that was the last race,” said the World Champion when asked by this writer for his thoughts on the subject.

“And yeah, for my side, I think it could have been handled a bit differently, also for him, because he knew it. But if you can’t say it exactly, it’s a bit of a shame.

“He’s done a lot for F1, he’s won races. He has had incredible races. And yeah, I think he deserved a nicer, let’s say, exit.”

Asked by this writer if it was frustrating to have to conduct the weekend in such a manner Mekies agreed that there was an option to tackle it in a different way.

“I think the answer is yes, it was frustrating,” said the Frenchman. “And yes, you’re right, it was not ideal to go through the weekend in that way, first of all for him, on a professional and on a personal matter, and for the whole team around him.

“Yes, Daniel was aware. We did have discussions before the weekend. For many different reasons, we chose together to go into that weekend without announcing. And from that point onwards, we had to deal with it.

“It’s a decision that, in hindsight, we may or may not do differently. But it’s something that we were, both the team and the drivers, were on board to go through that.

“I think in one way or another, we all found a way to express how much love there is from the sport to Daniel, from the fans to Daniel.

“So I don’t know if it would have been better or worse, certainly different, more traditional, but I can hopefully say that the amount of love and empathy we felt through that weekend was something outstanding and something that shows that he’s bigger than an F1 driver, he’s bigger than F1.”

Ricciardo claims he doesn’t know what Red Bull’s call will be

Daniel Ricciardo has confirmed that Red Bull will make a decision on his future after the Singapore GP – and he insists that he doesn’t know what the call will be.

It’s widely believed in the paddock that Ricciardo will be dropped for 2025 and replaced by Liam Lawson.

However there is also a scenario where he doesn’t complete this season, and Lawson takes over his car for at least some of the upcoming races.

Ricciardo confirmed that his contract has a significant post-Singapore date in it.

“Obviously for us that know the contracts, that’s kind of where the dates fall,” he said. “So yeah, after the weekend, we’ll know more.”

Asked if he expects the call to be on him racing in 2025 or also impact this season he said: “Let’s say my first expectation is about next year. So that’s let’s say where I’m at the moment.

“Obviously, I can’t give too many details, but in terms of contract, our dates pretty much come into this window now.

“So basically, I do expect a yes or a no for ’25. 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. So the decision I expect is for next year.

“But obviously, crazy things have happened in this sport, so I’m also not going stand here two boys full and confident. I believe I will be, but let’s see.”

Asked by this writer if contractually there was a scenario where Singapore was his last race Ricciardo was cagey.

“I don’t think so,” he said. “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, 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.”

He added: “I really don’t know what’s going to happen, and I think all this stuff, what’s crazy about the sport is, and then this is me just now, just kind of talking a bit of shit, if I go and get a podium this weekend, and then I’m probably the hottest thing in the sport.

“That’s the kind of the merry-go-round we’re on. And I know it can change so 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 and kick some arse.”

Lawson could join Jack Doohan on the 2025 F1 grid

Red Bull is set announce its plans for the second RB/VCARB Formula 1 seat after next weekend’s Singapore GP.

Liam Lawson is widely expected to replace Daniel Ricciardo in 2025, and possibly also for the last few races of this season.

It’s understood from sources that “all options” are being considered and will be discussed in Singapore by the Red Bull and RB management before the final announcement is made.

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko suggested recently that Lawson will race this season. However he was more circumspect in Baku, telling this writer: “Wait until after Singapore, then we can tell you something.”

Red Bull faced a mid-September option deadline with Lawson, who had to have a future F1 race programme in place or be in a position to walk away from the camp. That option has now been taken up.

There have been clear signs in recent weeks that momentum is building behind the Kiwi, who took part in five races last year when Ricciardo was injured.

Williams talked to Red Bull about using him as a replacement for Logan Sargeant for the last nine races of 2024, but it was made clear that he would be recalled if he was needed. That made no sense for the Grove team, and Franco Colapinto got the nod.

Lawson was also highly regarded as an option for 2025 by the Sauber/Audi camp, which has now turned its attention elsewhere.

He was also drafted in to gain extra 2025 car mileage by driving for both RBR and RB in a recent Pirelli tyre test.

Ricciardo is obviously seen as major asset by RB’s main sponsors Visa and CashApp, and losing him – especially for one or both of the upcoming US races in Austin and Las Vegas – would be a major blow.

However high level sources have suggested that the commercial aspect would not form part of any driver decision.

Asked by this writer in Monza is he was confident that he would do all the remaining races Ricciardo insisted that he just had to perform.

“I say yes,” he replied. “But I’ve been in this now long enough – who knows? I’ve seen a lot.

“I will keep kind of making it about me in the sense that if I’m performing, they won’t find a reason to do anything.

“And ultimately, that’s where I’ll leave it. I know if I perform, then I’m good, so if I focus on myself, then it shouldn’t affect me. And that’s what I’m focusing on.”

Meanwhile Sergio Perez’s longer-term future at RBR continues to come up in paddock conversations, and it is understood to be part of the bigger picture of the discussions, although his strong performance in Baku clearly helped his cause. Lawson is clearly currently on pole to one day replace him.

Along with Lawson Red Bull is also keen to assess F2 star Isack Hadjar, who has the chance to do more FP1 sessions as well as the Abu Dhabi rookie sprint, should it be confirmed.