Ricciardo addresses RB F1 exit speculation

Daniel Ricciardo has not ruled out the possibility of the Singapore Grand Prix being his final race in F1 as speculation around his future grows. 

Ricciardo is fighting to save his F1 career at RB with the Australian in contention to retain his seat alongside reserve Liam Lawson - who has been promised a 2025 F1 drive by Red Bull in one of the four seats it controls. 

Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda are locked in at Red Bull and RB, respectively, with Ricciardo, Lawson and Sergio Perez seemingly fighting over two seats, but the eight-time grand prix winner Ricciardo appears under the most immediate threat. 

Speculation has grown coming into the Singapore weekend that Lawson will replace Ricciardo after the Marina Bay race, with motorsport advisor Helmut Marko keen to see Lawson promoted, which would likely signal the end of Ricciardo's F1 career, as he is not deemed a high-priority candidate for the only other seat remaining at Stake/Audi. 

"I don't think so, but I also don't want to stand here and be the lawyer," Ricciardo told media including RacingNews365 when asked if Singapore would be his final race.

"I would say no [it won't be], but we also know how this sport works and people have not seen through a season before so it is nothing new.

"But I don't want to be like: 'Oh, 100% I'll be my house on it], I've been around too long.

"I really don't know what is going to happen, but what is crazy about this sport, and this is me talking a bit of shit now, but if I go and get a podium this weekend, then I am probably the hottest thing in the sport. 

"That is the merry-go-round we are on, and I know it can just change so quickly. I am aware of things hotting up but I just have to try and get my head down this weekend and kick some arse."

Ricciardo's future

Ricciardo added that the window for contract negotiations had opened, and whilst remaining tight-lipped, indicated that the decision was more around a full-time seat for 2025.

"My first expectation is about next year, and obviously, I can't give away too many details, but in terms of a contract, our dates come into a window now," he said.

"I do expect a yes or no for 2025, and I am aware of some talk and speculation about the rest of the season, but I expect a decision for next year. 

"Crazy things have happened in this sport, and I'm not going to stand here and be too boastful and confident, but I believe I will be [racing]."