Daniel Ricciardo downplays rumors ahead of Singapore GP: "Unlikely my last F1 race"

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

SINGAPORE -- Daniel Ricciardo's future in Formula 1 remains uncertain, but the Australian driver has dismissed suggestions that this week's Singapore Grand Prix could be his final race in the sport.

Speculations arose following the Baku Grand Prix, with reports indicating that Red Bull junior Liam Lawson might replace Ricciardo at RB. Sources confirmed a clause in Lawson's contract, mandating Red Bull to secure him a race seat by September 15, the day of the Baku race, or provide one in either of its teams next season.

Despite the looming uncertainty, Ricciardo remains optimistic. When questioned on Thursday about the possibility of Singapore being his last race, Ricciardo responded, "I don't think so, but I also don't want to stand here and be the lawyer."

He elaborated, "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 acknowledged the behind-the-scenes discussions involving Lawson but indicated that they pertain more to the 2025 season than the immediate future.

"My first expectation is about next year," Ricciardo stated. "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."

Ricciardo's performance since rejoining AlphaTauri, previously known as RB, has seen its ups and downs. The initial excitement of his return aimed at eventually replacing Sergio Pérez at Red Bull has waned, especially given his inconsistent form this year. However, Ricciardo remains undeterred by the external noise.

"These are things that, as you say, I think as early as probably Japan or Miami, I don't know, there was, am I even going to rock up to the next race? I didn't hear that from the team," Ricciardo said. "But obviously there's noise about that. You hear that one week, and then I put two good races together and Checo doesn't, and I'm, oh, am I going to be in the Red Bull in the summer break?"

Ricciardo emphasized the importance of focusing on his performance and not getting bogged down by speculations.

"At the end of the day, focus on myself. That's where I probably learned as well from the past, not to get bogged down in too much other stuff, because that will always be there, that will always exist. Control the controllables. And that's me putting my best foot forwards, and making sure I'm loving what I'm doing," Ricciardo said. "I still am happy to be here."

As for potential opportunities away from Red Bull, Sauber holds the only available seat for next year, but Ricciardo has not been seriously approached by the team.

Reflecting on his journey, Ricciardo said, "I definitely have fallen back in love with the sport, post-2022. I've enjoyed this season, even if I haven't been stoked with every weekend that I've done. I've enjoyed going racing, I've enjoyed the competition again and driving."

He continues to contemplate the future: "I still have a lot of love for the sport, but I also have to remind myself, 'OK, why did I come back?' It was to try and be at the front again. I enjoy it. But when you're not in the points, for sure it's less enjoyable. I'm also 35, I've been at the front, I've experienced the champagne."

As he faces the possibility of what lies ahead, Ricciardo remains philosophical: "I don't want to hang onto something that might not ever come to fruition again. I've certainly had those conversations in my head. So yeah. I wouldn't say that I would jump at any opportunity next year, that's not the case. I'd probably say peace [out]."

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