Daniel Ricciardo has admitted he is uncertain as to whether he will keep his RB seat for the remainder of the season following this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix.
There has been speculation in the paddock that Ricciardo, whose contract expires at the end of the year, will be replaced by Liam Lawson for the final six races of the season at Red Bull’s junior team.
Ricciardo said on Thursday that he expects a decision following Sunday’s race in Singapore over whether his contract will be extended, but has had no indication that he could be axed immediately.
He told Sky Sports F1: “I know how it is and how it works, and I knew there was always going to be some dates and deadlines this year, whether it was summer break or now post-Singapore, so post-Singapore is the next one.
“Honestly, it’s still, so many things are up in the air. Let’s see how the weekend goes. Obviously, I’m going to give it all I can, as I have. There’s always something to fight for. We’ll see what happens. Try to get the thing on the podium, that’s my plan.”
The 35-year-old Australian returned to F1 in the middle of last season for RB but has struggled to find his best form on a consistent basis and is 14th in this season’s driver standings, with 10 points less than team-mate Yuki Tsunoda.
Asked in a written briefing on Thursday whether Sunday’s race could be his last for the team, in light of the terms of his contract, Ricciardo replied: “I don’t think so. But I also don’t want to start here and be the lawyer.
“I would say no, but also we know how the sport works. So, I don’t want to say ‘100 per cent I will bet all my house on it’. I’ve been around for too long.
“What’s crazy about the sport is if I go and get a podium this weekend then I’m probably the hottest thing in the sport.
“That’s the kind of the merry go round we’re on and I know it can change so quickly. So look, I’m aware that things are hotting up, so to speak, but I just have to try and get my head down this weekend.”
Sky Sports F1’s live Singapore GP schedule
Friday September 20
8.15am: F1 Academy Practice
10am: Singapore GP Practice One (session starts 10.30am)
11.55am: F1 Academy Qualifying
1.45pm: Singapore GP Practice Two (session starts 2pm)
3.15pm: The F1 Show
Saturday September 21
8am: F1 Academy Race One
10.15am: Singapore GP Practice Three (session starts 10.30am)
1pm: Singapore GP Qualifying build-up
2pm: SINGAPORE GP QUALIFYING*
4pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday September 22
8.30am: F1 Academy Race Two
11:30am: Grand Prix Sunday: Singapore GP build-up
1pm: The SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
3pm: Chequered Flag: Singapore GP reaction
4pm: Ted’s Notebook
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1’s thrilling 2024 season continues live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend with more stunning street circuit action, this time under the lights at the Singapore Grand Prix. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime