The recent comments made by Helmut Marko regarding Liam Lawson and Daniel Ricciardo have once again shifted the focus onto Ricciardo’s future in Formula 1. Ricciardo, who is currently the only Red Bull race driver without a confirmed contract for 2025, is relying on his performance to secure his seat alongside Yuki Tsunoda next year. Marko’s statements about the need for a young driver like Lawson to be in the team soon have raised questions about Ricciardo’s position and whether he is doing enough to secure his place.
Ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, Marko emphasized that Red Bull’s junior team requires young drivers, and Ricciardo’s chance of moving up to Red Bull Racing has been taken by Sergio Perez. Marko specifically mentioned Liam Lawson as a potential candidate for the seat. While Marko’s support for Lawson is not new, his comments once again put Ricciardo in the spotlight.
When asked about Marko’s comments, Ricciardo admitted that he was unaware of them prior to arriving at the race. He emphasized that performance is the most important factor in the sport and that his chances of staying in Formula 1 depend on his on-track results. Ricciardo acknowledged the opportunity he currently has and mentioned that the first half of the season will be crucial in determining his future. He expressed his determination to perform well and help his cause.
Ricciardo also acknowledged that occasional good races are not enough and that he wants to avoid inconsistent performances. He mentioned the support he has received from Christian Horner and Laurent Mekies, but ultimately recognized that he is the one in the car and needs to push himself harder. Ricciardo understands that if he consistently underperforms, his position will be at risk.
Comparisons can be drawn between Ricciardo’s situation and that of Nyck de Vries, whom he replaced last year. Both drivers faced pressure to keep their seats after being outperformed by their teammates. However, Ricciardo’s higher peaks, including a fourth-place finish in the Miami sprint and qualifying close to pole position in Montreal, give him an advantage. Additionally, Ricciardo has a better car at his disposal than De Vries did. A test in a Red Bull at Silverstone was critical in Ricciardo’s return last year, and now Lawson is set to have a test in a 2022 AlphaTauri at Imola. While Ricciardo believes that the test has been planned for a while, he acknowledges that he can only control what he can and needs to focus on his own performance.
Ricciardo’s recent performances have shown promise, and he hopes to build on them to secure his seat. He wants to finish his Formula 1 career within the Red Bull family and has no interest in exploring other options. Ricciardo appreciates the support and occasional challenges from Helmut Marko, as he believes it motivates him to perform at his best.
The original plan for Ricciardo’s return to Red Bull was to perform well and eventually become Max Verstappen’s teammate. However, as Marko’s comments suggest, that plan seems unlikely. Ricciardo’s recent performances have been mixed, with some highs and lows. He is hoping that his strong showings in Montreal and Spain will be the start of a consistent run of form that can secure his seat and potentially revive the original plan.
While Perez has a new two-year contract, his current struggles and the tight competition at the front of the grid could put his position at risk. The contract has performance clauses and will be regularly reviewed, meaning Perez must constantly prove himself. If Ricciardo continues to improve and Perez’s form deteriorates, Ricciardo’s return to the senior team could become a possibility. Red Bull could then promote Lawson alongside Tsunoda, with Perez potentially being replaced.
However, this scenario remains unlikely, and Ricciardo is aware that his future is in his own hands. With four races in five weekends, the situation can change rapidly. Ricciardo knows that Red Bull can be ruthless in their decision-making, and it is up to him to ensure that he gives them no reason to axe him.