Daniel Ricciardo has not ruled out the possibility of the Singapore Grand Prix being his final F1 race… this season but still hopes to be there in 2025, as speculation over his future mounts.
Ricciardo is battling to save his RB F1 career against Liam Lawson, with speculation that the New Zealander could take his place after Singapore and for 2025 but the Australian, who looked anything but cheerful in the paddock when he arrived in front of the microphones, did nothing to quell the speculation.
“I don’t think so, but I don’t want to stay here and play lawyer either,” he said when asked if Singapore would be his last race.
“I would say no [ce ne sera pas le cas]but we also know how this sport works so it’s not new. But I don’t want to say, ‘Oh, I’m willing to bet my house 100%,’ I’ve been around too long.”
“I really don’t know what’s going to happen, but the crazy thing about this sport, and this is me talking a bit of shit now, is if I go all out and get a podium this weekend, then I’m probably the hottest rider in the sport.”
“That’s the ride we’re on, and I know it can change very quickly. I’m aware things are heating up, but I’ve just got to try to focus this weekend and kick some ass.”
Ricciardo added that the window for contract negotiations had opened and, while remaining tight-lipped, indicated that the decision was more about a full-time seat for 2025.
“My first expectation is next year, and obviously I can’t give too many details, but in terms of the contract, our dates are now within a decision window.”
“I expect a yes or no for 2025, and I’m aware of some discussions and speculation about the rest of the season (to be replaced by Lawson), but I’m not in the loop, so it’s still speculation. I expect a decision for next year especially.”
“Crazy things have happened in this sport, and I’m not going to sit here bragging and being overconfident, but I believe I’ll be there next year.”
The scenario referred to would be that of the 5 races promised to Liam Lawson under his current contract, in order to honour him, but is a start for Ricciardo in 2025 while still leaving Lawson as a reserve possible? It is very unlikely…
Ricciardo was therefore asked about other series, in case he is replaced for good.
“IndyCar still scares me! Listen, I thought about it because I also thought about it a few years ago when I knew I wasn’t going to start the 2023 season.”
“But I know I’m still a competitor. I know I still have a lot of fire in me, but maybe that itch is lessened by doing something else. I don’t know.”
“We’ll see. It’s hard, even to talk about it, just being in the sport and fighting for maybe a 10th place every now and then. Maybe it’s the same with another series.”
“And no disrespect to any other series, I’m a fan of NASCAR and a lot of other forms of motorsports, but because I’ve been there and experienced the highest of highs, will I really thrive doing something else and there’s no guarantee that I’ll be great doing something else?”
“Will this really scratch that itch and give me what I want? I don’t know. I’d probably say no more often than yes, but those are things I’ll think about if I’m not in that situation.”
