The 2024 Formula 1 season has kicked off with a bang, but for Daniel Ricciardo of the Visa CashApp RB F1 Team, the start has been anything but spectacular. With finishes of 13th in Bahrain, 16th in Jeddah, and 12th in Melbourne, the Australian driver has found himself struggling to keep pace with his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, who has bested him in two out of three races, culminating in a commendable seventh-place finish in Australia.
However, it seems Ricciardo’s woes may be far from over. Reports from the NZ Herald suggest that the seasoned driver has been issued an ultimatum: show improvement in the upcoming races in Japan and China or face being replaced by Liam Lawson come the Miami Grand Prix. For Ricciardo, this ultimatum could not be more dire, especially as he aims to navigate the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1 at the age of 34.
With Lawson waiting in the wings as the reserve driver for Red Bull Racing and the RB F1 Team, the potential replacement wouldn’t necessarily come as a shock. While Ricciardo has showcased glimpses of speed, his performances have been marred by a string of errors, raising doubts about his ability to deliver consistently at the highest level of motorsport.
As the pressure mounts, Ricciardo finds himself at a critical juncture in his career. With each passing race, the need for tangible improvement becomes more pressing, lest he find himself displaced by the promising talent of Lawson alongside Tsunoda. Only time will tell if Ricciardo can rise to the occasion and secure his future in the fast-paced world of Formula 1.
