Daniel Ricciardo is firmly embroiled in the driver merry-go-round at Red Bull, with three out of four drivers tied at the Austrian squad on expiring deals. With a seat alongside Max Verstappen up for grabs, this is a crucial season for everyone involved. So far this year, Yuki Tsunoda has been the better-performing driver at RB. As Liam Lawson waits in the wings for an opportunity, this might spell trouble for Ricciardo. However, the 34-year-old is happy to spend another year with the Faenza-based outfit.
In recent weeks, there has been plenty of speculation about the driver market. Teams have played their part in this, Red Bull included. For example, Christian Horner explained after the Australian GP that Red Bull could look outside their driver pool for potential 2025 candidates.
These comments largely confirmed the consensus that Yuki Tsunoda, despite his impressive form, is not seen as a candidate to drive alongside Max Verstappen.
SUZUKA, JAPAN – APRIL 06: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia driving the (3) Visa Cash App RB VCARB 01 on track during final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course on April 06, 2024 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202404060037 // Usage for editorial use only //
RICCIARDO HAPPY TO STAY AT RB
Returning to Daniel Ricciardo, the 8-time race winner is struggling to find his best form. Considering the talents at the Austrian team’s disposal (including Lawson, Marti and Hadjar), it seems unlikely that Red Bull would keep Ricciardo at their second team for an extensive period.
However, it has been established that Ricciardo is extremely valuable to RB. Aside from his credentials as a driver, he is understood to have played an important role in the Faenza squad’s sponsorship drive.
With this in mind, the 34-year-old is not as expendable as drivers in his position beforehand. From Ricciardo’s side, there is still appeal in continuing with Visa Cash App RB next season.
This was his response when asked if he is open to spending another year at Faenza:
“As I feel today, yes. I’m enjoying the driving right now – it’s not so much result-driven,” he told SpeedCafe.
“Obviously, I don’t want to just be here to be here. I want to earn that seat, and the team is hopefully further up.
“So yeah, I guess it goes both ways. I mean, the answer is yes. But is it more fun fighting at the front? Is it more fun fighting for podiums and wins?
“Absolutely.”
Predicting what will happen next in the driver market – especially this year – is extremely difficult. Red Bull has emphasised that no big decisions will be made until the summer.
Assuming this timetable is followed, Ricciardo and Tsunoda must strive to maximise every weekend to improve their prospects for 2025.
