Australian F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo remains confident he will finish the season at RB amid growing speculation about his future in the sport.
Red Bull has already confirmed that teammate Yuki Tsunoda will drive for RB in next year’s championship while Red Bull team director Helmut Marko revealed that New Zealand’s Liam Lawson would earn a seat in 2025.
If Mexican veteran Sergio Perez keeps his seat at Red Bull, Ricciardo would almost certainly have to make way for Lawson. However, Perez recently signed a contract extension that covered 2025, albeit with performance-related exit clauses.
Every qualifying session and race from the 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship™ LIVE in 4K. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >
When asked whether he was confident he would remain at RB for the remainder of the 2024 campaign, Ricciardo responded: “Yes. I say yes, I’ve been in this long enough – who knows?
“But, I will keep making it about me. If I’m performing they won’t find a reason to do anything. If I perform, I’m good.
“If I focus on myself it shouldn’t affect me. It doesn’t matter what someone is saying. It matters what my hands and feet are doing in the cockpit.”
Ricciardo, currently 13th on the F1 driver standings with 12 points, has repeatedly been outperformed by Tsunoda throughout the 2024 season.
During last week’s Italian Grand Prix, the 35-year-old copped two penalties for making contact with Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg on the first lap before a pit stop infringement.
“I haven’t had any unreasonable pressure,” Ricciardo continued.
“I haven’t had a hand on the shoulder pulling me into a room to say, ‘Do this, or else …’
“But I know what’s required. Maybe the tough talk doesn’t need to happen. I’ve known Helmut a long time. We all know what is required.
“Has he put extra pressure on me or been unreasonable? No.
“I don’t feel anything additional from it. But I know what’s required.”
The F1 season resumes at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday, September 15 at 9pm AEST.