As the Formula 1 grid arrives in Singapore for this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix, there is no shortage of storylines. Chief among them is the fight atop the Constructors’ Championship standings, and whether fans are in for a three-way battle between McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull down the stretch.
But in this sport driver movement is always a hot topic, and as the grid arrived in Singapore one driver’s future led that discussion: Daniel Ricciardo.
Ricciardo’s future with Visa Cash App RB F1 Team, and perhaps in the sport itself, has been a heated subject recently. With rumors swirling about an impending decision and many led to believe that Liam Lawson will soon be announced as the team’s driver alongside Yuki Tsunoda for next season, Ricciardo’s fate hangs in the balance. Some rumors even suggest that Ricciardo could be replaced by the team before this season ends, forcing Ricciardo to address that notion and more when meeting with the media on Thursday in Singapore.
“Let’s say my first expectation is about next year,” said Ricciardo to assembled media in Singapore on Thursday. “I can’t give too many details, but in terms of the contract, that’s the current situation. I’m basically waiting for a yes or no decision. There is speculation about the rest of the season, but the decision I’m waiting for at the moment is about next year, but strange things happen in sport.”
Ricciardo even addressed the rumor that this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix could be his last race.
“I would say it’s not my last race, but we know how things are in this sport. I’m not going to sit here and say ‘I’m definitely going to keep going’. I wouldn’t bet my house on it,” said the Australian driver.
“I’m 35 years old, I already had the experience of riding at the front and I know that it’s not so good to ride in the middle of the pack and maybe know that those moments won’t come back. I’ve already had that conversation with myself. I’m not going to jump at any opportunity I get next year.”
The driver conceded on Thursday that the season has not unfolded how he envisioned at the start of the year.
“When I was thinking about how my year would be in January, I expected it to be better than it is. I feel like I’ve worked really hard this year and the result hasn’t shown the effort I’m putting in,” added Ricciardo. “But that’s the sport. I wish I could have been more consistent.”
Not only were Ricciardo’s comments notable, but so too were the individuals standing with him while he met with the media. Representatives from both VCARB and Red Bull stood alongside Ricciardo during his session, a departure from the standard practice of just a VCARB representative accompanying him:
Big focus and interest in Daniel and his future here in Singapore. Interesting to see media reps from both VCARB and RBR with him in the media pen. Says he genuinely has no news for short or long term but contractual dates mean there will be a decision after this weekend. pic.twitter.com/zetTdgMM4b
— Will Buxton (@wbuxtonofficial) September 19, 2024
Ricciardo was not the only driver discussing his status, but during the FIA Press Conference his former teammate, Max Verstappen, weighed in on Ricciardo’s future.
“He’s achieved a lot, more than anyone could ever dream of. Even if it’s his last race, he can look back at something amazing that not many people can achieve,” said Verstappen. “And do something else maybe? Many other racing series? Maybe chill back at the farm?”
Whether Ricciardo ends up doing something else remains to be seen, but it appears we will have some answers soon.
