With nine races remaining in the 2024 Formula 1 season, Daniel Ricciardo faces questions about his future in the sport, particularly within the Red Bull family. In his Italian GP media session, the Australian driver addressed these uncertainties and shared his mindset as he navigates this crucial period.
When asked if he was confident about completing the rest of the season, Ricciardo responded with cautious optimism. “Yes. I mean look, I say yes. I’ve been in this sport for long enough. Who knows?” he admitted.
The conversation then shifted to the potential of Liam Lawson stepping into a race seat, with Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko making “noises” about the possibility. Ricciardo, however, remains focused on his own performance as the key to securing his position.
“I will keep 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. If I focus on myself, then it shouldn’t affect me and that’s what I’m focusing on.”
When asked if he ever tires of the constant speculation and comments from Marko, Ricciardo responded calmly, “No. I think I’m probably used to it.
“Honestly, this is a lot of the time where I hear it. When you’re young, you’re always a bit more curious. ‘What do people think of me or say’?
“At some point you realise that maybe now the weekends are getting busier, the sport is more busy, popular, there’s so much more being said and thrown around that it’s also probably impossible just to keep up with everything.
“I have to focus on myself and performance is everything. It doesn’t really matter what someone is saying. What matters is what my hands and feet are doing in the cockpit and put all my energy into that.”
Regarding his relationship with Marko and the Red Bull team, Ricciardo emphasised that he hasn’t felt any unreasonable pressure from the top.
Following a tricky start to the year, he has made good gains in personal performance, particularly in qualifying.
“Honestly, I haven’t had any unreasonable pressure. I haven’t had the hand on the shoulder, pull me in the room and say, ‘hey, do this or else’.
“But look, I also know that I know what’s required. Maybe this tough talk doesn’t need to be had because I’ve known Helmut a long time and the system.”
He continued, “We all know what’s required, but has he been putting extra pressure on me or being unreasonable or unfair in anything? Not at all.
“I think probably what is being put out or maybe what he says in the media or something is a bit more heightened, but I don’t feel anything additional from him. But I know what’s required.”
As the season progresses, Ricciardo remains committed to maintaining his sharp focus. Ahead of the Hungarian GP, rumours swirled the 35-year-old would replace Sergio Pérez, and Ricciardo emphasised the importance of those races in his career.
The 8-time race winner wants to keep that hunger and desire going.
“I mean it needs to be the mindset, and if I feel like I am softening that then I kind of shake myself a little bit and make sure I’m not.
“I think it is still very important, but I also think I’m still learning, which is great, and I think that mindset is a much better one for me.
“I think when there is a bit more on the line, when that pressure is a little bit higher, I think it in a way it kind of increases that spark in me and stops me from feeling a little bit maybe relaxed or whatever you want to say.
“I’ve just got to make sure that I still, and I think it is still the case, these are very important races.
“But even if, for whatever reason, they weren’t, even if I signed a contract today, I still should be telling myself that they are because I think that’s where I operate the best for myself.”
