There has been no shortage of F1 news today in the Red Bull Ring paddock. Daniel Ricciardo’s options for 2025 are slimming down, and Carlos Sainz is starting to lean more toward Alpine than Williams.
The 2025 season will mark a significant turning point in the career of Daniel Ricciardo, one of Formula 1’s most captivating and gifted drivers. Ricciardo has made it clear that Red Bull Racing is his only realistic chance to stay in the Formula One race, stating that it is Red Bull or nothing for him.
The uncertainty surrounding his future intensified after Red Bull’s senior advisor, Helmut Marko, expressed more doubt about his place with the team. Although Yuki Tsunoda has been confirmed for the upcoming season, Marko’s recent comments have not been encouraging for Ricciardo.
“I have gotten really good at not reading things,” Ricciardo told the press in Austria. “So I actually didn’t know about it until I was told when I got here. I don’t feel one way or another about it. I still know that the overriding thing in this sport is performance. Like that’s it, and that’s what will give me my best chance of staying here. I know that it’s not going to be my nice smile or anything else.”
Ricciardo’s statement underscores the unwavering nature of Formula 1, where performance is the ultimate currency. Despite being well-liked and marketable, he knows that securing a position at Red Bull will depend solely on his track performance.
The confirmation that Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso will stay with Aston Martin for the 2025 season further complicates Ricciardo’s situation. With his father owning the team, Stroll’s job was widely considered safe. This leaves Ricciardo with even fewer options.
Throughout his career, Ricciardo has experienced both highs and lows, from his breakthrough successes with Red Bull to challenging periods with Renault and McLaren. His return to Red Bull, even in a development and reserve capacity, was expected to be a stepping stone to a full-time racing position. However, with the current uncertainty, Ricciardo faces immense pressure to prove himself, especially given the fierce competition within Red Bull’s driver program.
Red Bull Racing, known for its stringent performance standards, will closely monitor Ricciardo’s progress. With drivers like Tsunoda and Max Verstappen, and the team’s focus on nurturing young talent, Ricciardo must deliver standout performances to secure his place.
As the 2024 season progresses, Ricciardo must seize every opportunity to showcase his speed, reliability, and racing acumen. The upcoming races will be critical for him to demonstrate to Red Bull that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level and earn a spot for 2025.
For Ricciardo, the stakes have never been higher. His return to the top of the Formula One standings hinges on his ability to perform under pressure and prove he remains one of the best drivers in the sport. For now, it’s clear: Daniel Ricciardo is aiming for Red Bull or nowhere.
