Daniel Ricciardo reflects on what it might mean if 2024 marks the end of his F1 career. The F1 star has mixed feelings, marked by gratitude and sadness.
- Ricciardo remains optimistic about his chances of returning to the main Red Bull team or securing his position at VCARB.
- He stepped in as a mid-2023 season replacement, showcasing resilience and hope.
- Red Bull reserve driver, Liam Lawson, poses a significant threat to Ricciardo’s seat for the following season.
- Ricciardo’s current performance is under intense scrutiny, making his F1 future uncertain.
If 2024 signals the end of Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 career, he would face it with a mix of gratitude and sadness. The eight-time race winner shared that he’s not ready to leave the sport just yet. After losing his McLaren seat, Ricciardo got another chance when he replaced Nyck de Vries mid-2023 season. Coming back to the track, he’s aware that his performance could either bring him back to the main Red Bull team or leave him without a seat at all.
Ricciardo’s return to F1 is marked by a sense of resilience and a hunger to prove himself. He feels he still has more to offer and isn’t ready to accept the end of his career. ‘I still feel so hungry and motivated, so of course I would be sad, because I feel like I’ve still got more to give,’ he told Motorsport.com. ‘I put myself back in a really good place.’ Despite the potential end, Ricciardo is grateful for the career he’s had, stating, ‘I’ve had a more than 10-year career in a sport I know many can only dream of.’
Ricciardo’s immediate future hinges significantly on Red Bull’s decisions. If he doesn’t secure a spot at Red Bull for 2025, he faces a considerable threat from Liam Lawson, Red Bull’s reserve driver. Lawson has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave if he isn’t placed in a seat by the end of September. Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko hinted that a decision will be made soon, mentioning that Lawson’s additional experience in Formula 1 at Imola was part of long-term plans.
Currently, Ricciardo has scored 12 points in the 2024 season, which is behind his VCARB teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who has 22 points. This puts him under additional pressure to perform in the upcoming races. His future, as of now, remains uncertain, and much depends on how he fares in the remaining part of the season.
Whether 2024 is the end for Ricciardo or not, his journey remains a testament to resilience and passion.
