Daniel Ricciardo has addressed questions about his F1 future after Red Bull confirmed it will be continuing with Sergio Perez as Max Verstappen’s teammate. The Australian driver is in contract with Red Bull’s sister team RB until the end of the current season, however, as the team is usually focused on nurturing younger talent, it is rumored that Ricciardo might not secure a contract extension.
Ricciardo’s season was marred initially by struggles but marked by a recent resurgence that aligns him closer to his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda.
The pressures aren’t just from external sources. Red Bull Racing faces its internal debates centered around a pivot back to its philosophy of nurturing its junior drivers—a roster that includes notable talents like Liam Lawson, Isack Hadjar, and emerging star Arvid Lindblad in Formula 3. The push for youth is championed by Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko.
During an interview with Racing News 365, Ricciardo commented:
“Look, I also know what it’s like to be a junior, and a young kid that’s hungry and wants that chance to get in the sport.
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“I’ve been there and it doesn’t feel like that long ago. And look, I also respect that. So, the day I feel like I’m occupying a seat that I can’t fill, I won’t be comfortable within myself. I won’t want to be here.
“I don’t want to stop someone having their chance. I respect the journey too much. But equally, I don’t feel like I’m in that place. And the day I do, I will probably speak openly about it.
“Right now… I guess talking a year ago, like this is my last chance, so that’s how I view it. I will give it everything I’ve got, and the juniors will have their chance and their time, but I don’t feel ready to hand it over.”
Comparing his current form to past seasons, Ricciardo recalls the highs, including his win at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, alongside his less stellar moments, notably during his stint at McLaren, which ended less favorably. Returning to the Red Bull family initially as a third driver and then being promoted back to a race seat provided him a lifeline, a chance at redemption. Ricciardo concluded:
“And look, if my results frickin’ suck and whatever then so be it and that will happen, but I personally don’t feel like I’m there yet.
“Because I think I’m also too honest with myself, I think I would feel uncomfortable occupying a seat if I really didn’t feel my heart was in it anymore.
“Yeah, I wouldn’t feel good about it. So, they’ll get that chance – but not yet.”