Daniel Ricciardo has addressed recent remarks made by Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who suggested that Liam Lawson is set for a promotion to a full-time seat in Formula 1 for the 2025 season. In light of this development, Ricciardo has clarified his intentions, stating that he is not actively seeking opportunities outside the Red Bull system and remains committed to securing his place within the team.
Lawson, who made a strong impression during a five-race stint in mid-2023 while substituting for an injured Ricciardo, is increasingly considered a strong candidate for a permanent seat in F1. Marko, reflecting the sentiment of Red Bull’s shareholders, has indicated that the team is keen to return to its roots of nurturing young talent, which puts Ricciardo in a potentially precarious position.
With Yuki Tsunoda contracted to Visa Cash App RB until the end of the 2025 season, Ricciardo, 35, faces the possibility of being replaced by Lawson, particularly as he has struggled to match Tsunoda’s performance during the first half of the 2024 season.
Before the summer break, there were speculations that Ricciardo might replace Sergio Pérez at Red Bull Racing for the remainder of the 2024 season. However, the team ultimately decided to retain Pérez, leaving Ricciardo’s future uncertain. Speaking to the media ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, Ricciardo acknowledged that his future within the Red Bull setup is still unclear, especially with Lawson almost assured of a seat. Nevertheless, Ricciardo expressed confidence that his recent form—which saw him score points in three of the last six races before the summer break—would secure his position within the Red Bull family.
Addressing Marko’s comments on Lawson, Ricciardo said, “It’s OK. I still know that performance is my best friend, and if I do what I know I can do and am capable of, then I think it puts me in a very good position to stay somewhere in the family for next year. I’ve just got to focus on that.”
Ricciardo was full of praise for Lawson, acknowledging the New Zealander’s talent and potential.
“Speaking of Liam, I got to see him drive the car last year, and I do think he did a great job. I do think he is worthy of a seat on the grid, so in a way I’m happy for him.
“If he is guaranteed a seat next year, then I think that’s good because he is a deserving driver. So what does that mean for me? Probably a little bit unknown, but if I perform, then I’m sure they’ll find a spot for me somewhere.”
Ricciardo’s relationship with Red Bull dates back to 2014, during which he secured seven of his eight career victories with the team over a successful five-year period. Following stints with Renault and McLaren, Ricciardo returned to Red Bull as a reserve driver at the start of 2023 before making a comeback to Formula 1 with Visa Cash App RB in July 2023. Despite the uncertainty, the Australian driver has reiterated his desire to remain within the Red Bull organisation.
“I’m most happy being back here,” Ricciardo said, emphasising his commitment to the team.
“Speaking of performance, it’s nice not looking elsewhere or having maybe other little distractions because I can just focus on this.
“It’s an all-in approach, but I think that approach will also get the most out of me. And if that is still not enough, then c’est la vie.”
Ricciardo also addressed the challenges of finding stability lately, having moved between several teams. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity Red Bull has provided and his determination to make the most of it.
“I think that intensifies it, but also simplifies it, so I think it’s the best approach. It’s not coming from a stubborn place, but I don’t really want to be anywhere else either. I’m not going to say everyone’s calling me [saying]: ‘Hey, well, if this doesn’t work, we’ve got something for you.’ But I think also I’ve been quite open about not wanting to [stay within the Red Bull system].
“I’ve obviously done a bit of jumping around the last few years, and that, in itself, can be tiring. I feel like I’ve worked my way back to this place, and also Red Bull has given me the opportunity to be back here, so it’s not something I just want to dismiss and say: ‘OK, well, what’s next?’ There is no next thing for me. This is it. I’m appreciative of what they’ve been able to give me now, and I really just want to try and make it work with them.”
The speculation that Ricciardo might return to Red Bull Racing as Max Verstappen’s teammate gained traction around the time of the summer break. However, with Pérez retained for the remainder of the 2024 season, Ricciardo’s prospects for a promotion were put on hold. Ricciardo admitted that while he was aware of the possibility of a return to the senior team, he did not allow himself to become overly hopeful.
“I didn’t rule it out,” Ricciardo said of the potential move. “For sure, I don’t want to say: ‘Oh no, I never thought that.’ I thought maybe something could happen, but I also didn’t expect it or get my hopes up.
“I was aware that maybe something changes, but let’s just do what I’m doing, and if I get a call, I get a call, so that was that. Obviously, I didn’t get a call, but also that was probably where I’d mentally prepared myself more than ‘Oh, this is it now, this is going to happen.’
“So pretty unchanged.”
