With speculation swirling about Daniel Ricciardo’s future in Formula One, his former teammate and rival Max Verstappen has advised the Australian to “chill” back home on his farm if the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix proves to be his final race in the sport.
If Ricciardo does well for the junior team RB, he is expected to join Red Bull in 2025 with Verstappen. However, the 35-year-old has battled in recent years.
Sergio Perez has signed a contract extension with Red Bull, while Yuki Tsunoda has remained with the team. With a plan in place to promote Liam Lawson from reserve driver, it appears like Ricciardo may soon quit the sport for the second time in three seasons, with young New Zealander Lawson perhaps taking over for the Australian after the next race. Speaking about his old teammate’s impending retirement, three-time champion Verstappen claimed Ricciardo should be proud of his career. He also stated that he might pursue a new career or simply relax in his spacious Australian home.
“Daniel is a great guy and he’s proven himself as a great F1 driver,” Vertsappen said. “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.
“Do something else maybe? Maybe other racing series? Maybe chill back at the farm?”
There is speculation growing that Lawson, who stood in for Riccardo last year when the Australian injured his hand, can join a rival team should Red Bull not provide him his five races this year. With just seven races now remaining, Lawson’s promotion could come after this weekend’s race if Red Bull are looking to secure his services.
If Lawson is confirmed for 2025, it would then leave only one seat free on the grid for next year at Sauber. However, it’s not believed Ricciardo is being considered for the Swiss team. Ricciardo is hopeful that this season will not be his curtain call. Nevertheless, he has admitted that he could not rule out the sensational possibility of Singapore being his final destination in the sport.
“My first expectation is about next year, so that’s where I’m at the moment,” Ricciardo told reporters. “Obviously, I can’t go into too much detail, but in terms of contract, our dates are pretty much in this window right now.” So, basically, I expect a yes or no for ’25.”
“I’ve heard some buzz and conjecture about the rest of the season, but that (being replaced after Singapore) is something I’m not aware of right now.
“So, the choice I anticipate is for next year. But, clearly, weird things have happened in this sport, so I’m not going to be too cocky or confident. I think I will be, but we’ll see.
“We understand how the sport works. People haven’t seen a season before, so it’s nothing new in some senses. So I don’t want to be like, “Oh, 100% I’ll bet all my house on it”. “I’ve been around for too long.”
Ricciardo has eight wins and 32 podium finishes in his F1 career, including spells with Renault and McLaren. His last victory was at the Italian Grand Prix in 2021.
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