Ricciardo’s Final Formula 1 Race Likely in Singapore This Weekend
Sep.19 - The Singapore GP this weekend really could be Daniel Ricciardo's last-ever Formula 1 race.
Rumours that have been swirling all season are now becoming concrete, with multiple sources reporting that Red Bull has taken up the expiring 2025 'option' on Liam Lawson's current contract.
That option - apparently expiring at the end of September - appears to be a guarantee of at least five grands prix within the 2024 season for the 22-year-old rookie reserve driver from New Zealand.
"It was probably part of the contract," commented former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, speaking to Sky Deutschland, "otherwise they would have lost Lawson."
When asked about the driver lineup at the junior team RB, Red Bull's top F1 advisor Dr Helmut Marko told Viaplay at Baku last weekend: "It is still September, but from Singapore, we will have a precise idea.
"It will be quite clear as to what will happen with the second seat."
Schumacher believes team owner Red Bull will announce in Singapore not only that Lawson is replacing Ricciardo full-time in 2025, but that the youngster will also be racing in the Australian's seat from Austin onwards.
"It has not yet been officially confirmed, but unfortunately it seems to be Daniel Ricciardo's last race in Singapore and from then on Liam Lawson will drive," he said.
"RB is a junior team, that's what the management has always said and supported - 'We will rely on young drivers'. And that's why it makes sense," Schumacher added.
"It is of course a great pity for Daniel, because we will be missing a driver who is super likeable and a pleasure to meet when you see him in the paddock."
As for Ricciardo, CNN posted an interview with the 35-year-old this week, and he sounds resigned to the notion that his F1 career could be ending.
"If it ended today, I would be proud of what I've done," said the 8-time grand prix winner.
"But on the same note, you're never fully satisfied because the reason I got into Formula 1 was to try to become world champion. That's something I'll obviously still try and achieve until the day I retire."
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Maybe, we'll find out soon enough.
Just read an article today saying that, that little snitch LN Done the same in Australia as Max done in Bacu + seveveral other drivers did it as, sorry gone off spoilt little snitch didn't like him anyways, come on Mr Piastri.
Why get rid of Riciardo any body considered it might be the bloody car he’s got.After all look how Perez and Max Verstappen have performed lately,let’s sack them as well and while your at it sack Stroll,Alonso,Bottas,Hamilton,Gasly,Ocon,Albon,Zhou,oh shit we have ‘ng got enough drivers let’s cancel the whole damn show.
I'm staying guys. chill out
That’s good news Daniel,really hoping you end up in the main team.Your Silverstone session proved that last year.all the best David Baines ,Adelaide
I read an item that quoted DR (the real DR!) as saying he is interested to race in NASCAR, or Supercars, and retire to the Margaret River area of WA. Maybe DR will buy a winery!
Reality is that Daniel's F1 days are almost at their end, and he knows that, better than those of us who are left to speculate!
Smokey you are a dreamer,with only one hand above the sheets
You don't need to be so ignorant, David! A little research will help you to look smarter. Below is the item to which I referred. Your apology for your ridiculous and uninformed remark will be considered.
"Daniel Ricciardo wants to try NASCAR, MotoGP, Supercars
The eight-time Grand Prix winner spoke in an Australian tourism board interview about admiration for NASCAR, MotoGP, Supercars machinery
Emily Selleck
Sep 21, 2024, 5:28 AM
Upd: Sep 21, 2024, 5:32 AM
25
Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren, 1984 Wrangler Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet NASCAR
Daniel Ricciardo revealed some potential plans for life after Formula 1
Daniel Ricciardo made a surprising admission about his life after Formula 1 amid speculation that his days in the paddock could be numbered. The 35-year-old Australian, who downplayed rumors that he may lose his RB seat to rookie Liam Lawson after the Singapore Grand Prix, said there's another racing series he “would like to try and experience”.
"I grew up a fan of NASCAR," he said in an interview with Tourism Western Australia this week. "I'd like to drive a NASCAR, I'd love to drive around Daytona for example. But would I like to compete? Yes and no,” he went on.
“I know it's not what I grew up doing and I'll probably get smoked,” Ricciardo admitted. “[So] I don't know if I need that [but] I would love to experience it.”
The eight-time Grand Prix winner previously drove Dale Earnhardt's 1984 Monte Carlo Chevrolet at the US Grand Prix in 2021. Ricciardo grew up idolizing the late NASCAR legend, and has since drawn praise from his son, Dale Earnhardt Jr., who said he appreciates the F1 driver's support for his family's legacy.
Along with stock cars, Ricciardo's love of motorbikes has been well-documented on social media. He said he'd also like to try his hand at MotoGP, telling Tourism WA, "I love motorbikes ... but I would be very, very slow and probably horrendous."
On home soil, the former Red Bull driver said he'd like to do a few laps around the famed circuit at Bathurst. "Obviously it’s the V8 that do the race there, but you know there's the 12 hour and stuff so maybe that's one I could compete in. If a V8 team said 'hey, do you want to do a few laps around Bathurst, no pressure, just to experience it,' then I'll definitely take that up."
The Perth native, who has taken up residence in both Los Angeles and Monaco since joining the F1 grid in 2011, also revealed he's likely to go back to his roots when he retires for good. "I could genuinely see myself retiring in Margaret River one day," he said of the sleepy region in Western Australia. "I just love the way of life ... It’s a breath of fresh air, everything slows down."
He went on, "I think everyone is just so connected down there to the place, to the land … everyone just feels so free and happy. The way of life there is just my vision of retirement."
His comments come amid speculation that Red Bull and RB’s senior management will make a decision after this weekend’s race in Singapore about their 2025 driver line-ups, which could spell the end of Ricciardo's 13-year F1 career."
Are you publishing that in hardback?
Thank goodness when RIC is finished up in F1. Sick of all the stories about him and the journos who write about him as one of the top drivers in F1 all sucked in by his personality.
He is and always has been a middle field driver, and the continued perception about him as one of the best overtakers now when he was only able to do it when he was in the Red Bull.
Journos should be professional and write objectiveley about the driving ability of drivers not based on personality or whether they like them.
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