Daniel Ricciardo, the Australian driver, has rejected the idea that speculation about his potential move to Red Bull in 2025 has affected his performance at the start of this season. Last year, Ricciardo was given another chance in Formula 1 with Red Bull’s sister team, then known as AlphaTauri, after Nyck de Vries was removed from the team after just 10 races. Despite expressing his desire to return to the Red Bull seat he left in 2018, Ricciardo has faced difficulties in the early stages of the current season. Racing alongside Yuki Tsunoda at the rebranded RB team, Ricciardo has struggled to match his teammate’s pace in the first two rounds and qualified half a second behind in Jeddah. As a result, Ricciardo has faced criticism, with Marko stating that he needs to improve soon in order to keep up with Tsunoda. However, Ricciardo remains firm in his belief that such comments do not affect him, as he is his own harshest critic and acknowledges that his performance this season has fallen short of expectations. When asked about the media’s reaction to these remarks, Ricciardo stated that it does not bother him and that while driving is the most important aspect, interacting with the media is also a significant part of the sport. He recognizes that when things go well, there is positive talk, but when they don’t, the conversation is less positive. Ricciardo further emphasized that his motivation to succeed comes from within, as he believes in his abilities and feels that he belongs in Formula 1. He does not feel the need to prove himself to others or please anyone but himself. Ricciardo also expressed his desire to make his supporters proud and stated that he is already aware of any criticisms or expectations placed upon him.
He stated: “Certainly, I aim to qualify in Q3. I desire to achieve these outcomes that I believe are within my reach. However, the competition is fierce. We find ourselves in a highly competitive midfield.
“And similar to Bahrain in qualifying, I knew that I didn’t perform the lap as well as I should have. I take responsibility for that. And that’s the distinction. That’s what sets apart a position of P14 from reaching Q3.
“I think at the end of Q1 in Saudi, the difference between P9 and P16 was less than a tenth of a second. So one can easily go from being a hero to not. And that’s where every fraction of a second matters. And that’s where I look at myself first.”
With Ricciardo being rumored as the frontrunner to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull in 2025, the Red Bull driver has acknowledged that he is aware of the potential opportunities.
However, the former McLaren racer has denied that such reports have distracted him and has emphasized that his immediate focus is on delivering results in the short term during his second stint in F1.
“I don’t believe any of the stories,” Ricciardo said regarding his name being linked to discussions at Red Bull. “I am fully aware of my position within the team.
“I am aware of certain possibilities that could arise if I perform exceptionally well. But it’s all just… It’s like everything you know.
“I think with any team you’re a part of, you know that if you have a stellar season, it could lead to something different or elevate your current position.
“I think our objective is always to give our best. And I think whatever happens, happens or could happen. But for me, my goal is to drive this car to the best of my abilities.
“Now that I’m back in a car, I’m not looking too far ahead. So am I thinking about the Red Bull seat that you mentioned? No.
“I know that if I achieve excellent results, then maybe that opportunity could present itself. It’s not something I dwell on because, as you mentioned, 12 months ago, I wasn’t in this position. I didn’t know if I would be back in this position. So I think I just take it one weekend at a time. There will always be rumors circulating.
“But I know my role and what I need to do. And I think the more I get… Well, it also comes with experience. But the more you get caught up in that stuff, the more it distracts from my job, which is to drive as fast as possible.
“I know we have many other responsibilities during a race weekend, but ultimately, we’re here to push the car to its limits and strive to make it the best it can be.
“So this weekend, I’m looking forward to being here and racing at home. However, as you mentioned, the first two races haven’t been outstanding. But I’m not concerned. It’s only two races out of 24, and there are many new people in the team. It’s still early days, but I definitely want to have a strong weekend and perform well.”
Ricciardo will have the opportunity to kickstart his campaign on home turf this weekend at the Australian Grand Prix, an event he missed out on competing in last season.
The eight-time grand prix winner remembers how attending the event as a reserve driver for Red Bull reignited his desire to return to a full-time F1 seat.
“I mean, I remember being on the pit wall here. It was my first race attending, and as I watched the cars pull out of the garage, there was definitely a sense of envy,” he said.
“I already knew that I wanted to do it again. But it was here that I felt it the most. And from that moment on, every race I attended, I was ready.”