As the Formula 1 grid arrives in Singapore for this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix, there's plenty to talk about – chief among them the battle for the top of the constructors' championship standings, and whether fans will be able to enjoy a three-way battle between McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull right to the end.
But driver developments are a constant topic of conversation in the sport and upon arrival on the grid in Singapore, the future of one driver led the discussion – Daniel Ricciardo.
Ricciardo's future with RB F1 Team, and possibly the sport itself, has been a heated topic of late. With rumors swirling about an imminent decision and many believing Liam Lawson will soon be announced as the team's driver for next season alongside Yuki Tsunoda, Ricciardo's fate remains uncertain. Some rumors have even suggested that Ricciardo could be replaced by the team before the end of this season, a thought that Ricciardo was forced to address when speaking to media in Singapore on Thursday.
“Firstly, a forecast for next year,” Ricciardo said. Singapore Media On Thursday, he said: “I can't go into too much detail but contract-wise, that's where it is. We're basically waiting for a yes or no decision. There's been a lot of speculation about the rest of the season but at this point we're waiting for a decision about next year. But strange things happen in sports.”
Ricciardo also addressed rumours that this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix could be his final race.
“I don't think it will be my last race but I know the state of the sport and I'm not here to say 'I'll definitely keep going'. I'm not going to bet the house on it,” the Australian driver said.
“I'm 35, I've already been at the front and I know it's not good to be in the middle and I know that that moment will probably never come again. I've already had that discussion with myself and I'm not going to jump at any opportunity that comes my way next year.”
The driver acknowledged on Thursday that the season had not unfolded the way he had envisaged at the start of the year.
“When I was thinking about this year in January I expected it to be a better year. I've worked really hard this year and I feel like the results haven't shown it,” Ricciardo added. “But that's sport. I wish I could have been more consistent.”
Notable not only were Ricciardo's comments, but also the people who were standing with him while he met with the media: representatives from VCARB and Red Bull were standing next to him during Ricciardo's session, a departure from the usual practice of only being accompanied by a VCARB representative.
There is a lot of attention and interest in Singapore on Daniel and his future. It was interesting to see media representatives from both VCARB and RBR in the media pen with him. He says there is really no news in the short or long term, but given the contract date there will be a decision after this weekend. pic.twitter.com/zetTdgMM4b
— Will Buxton (@wbuxtonofficial) September 19, 2024
Ricciardo was not the only driver to speak about his situation, however. FIA press conference Former teammate Max Verstappen has given his opinion on Ricciardo's future.
“He's achieved more than anyone could ever dream of, and even if this is his last race, he'll be able to look back on great things that not many people achieve.” said Verstappen: “Maybe I should do something else? Do a bunch of other races? Or maybe just chill out on the farm?”
Whether Ricciardo ends up doing something else remains to be seen, but we expect to get some answers soon.
