Daniel Ricciardo finds himself at a crossroads as the Formula 1 world speculates on the future of Red Bull’s driver lineup.
As the buzz around Red Bull’s driver lineup intensifies, Daniel Ricciardo is entrenched in a battle to secure his spot with the team for the upcoming 2025 racing season. The whisperings from the motorsport world suggest that Liam Lawson, currently Red Bull’s reserve and development driver, is a favored contender for Ricciardo’s seat at VCARB, adding a layer of uncertainty to Ricciardo’s future.
Gabriel Bortoleto, an adept driver in the Formula 2 circuit and a junior at McLaren, has boldly expressed his opinion on the matter. According to Bortoleto, it’s quite apparent that Lawson should be given the racing seat alongside Yuki Tsunoda at VCARB next year. ‘RB is still open, but we already know – is it Ricciardo there or is it Lawson? It’s kind of obvious,’ he remarked in an interview. He further emphasized Lawson’s significant dedication to development work for Red Bull, arguing, ‘If they don’t put Lawson in, I don’t know what’s going on in their heads.’
This endorsement comes amidst Red Bull’s signals of a potential shake-up just before the 2024 F1 summer hiatus. While Ricciardo remains in the running for a return to the main Red Bull team, contingent upon Sergio Perez’s status, his position at VCARB is not confirmed beyond the current season. Therefore, the pressure mounts on him to prove himself after the summer break.
Meanwhile, attention also shifts to Sauber, which is soon to transform into Audi come 2026. With Nico Hulkenberg’s place secured for 2025, speculation swirls around the prospects for Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu. Bortoleto’s name has emerged in connection with a possible seat, a notion he admits took him by surprise, though he remains focused on his Formula 2 endeavors to prime himself for any forthcoming opportunities.
The motorsport community waits with bated breath for Red Bull’s decision, which could herald a new chapter in Ricciardo’s career or solidify Lawson’s ascent in the racing ranks. Whether Ricciardo retains his position or moves on, his next steps will surely be watched closely by fans and analysts alike.
The anticipation surrounding Red Bull’s driver selection highlights the unpredictable nature of Formula 1, where talent and timing are everything. Ricciardo’s journey amidst these developments underscores the perpetual challenges faced by drivers at the top level, while new talents like Lawson eagerly await their chance to prove themselves on the global stage.
