Because the Components 1 grid arrives in Singapore for this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix, there is no such thing as a scarcity of storylines. Chief amongst them is the combat atop the Constructors’ Championship standings, and whether or not followers are in for a three-way battle between McLaren, Ferrari, and Pink Bull down the stretch.
However on this sport driver motion is at all times a sizzling matter, and because the grid arrived in Singapore one driver’s future led that dialogue: Daniel Ricciardo.
Ricciardo’s future with Visa Money App RB F1 Staff, and maybe within the sport itself, has been a heated topic lately. With rumors swirling about an impending resolution and lots of led to consider that Liam Lawson will quickly be introduced because the workforce’s driver alongside Yuki Tsunoda for subsequent season, Ricciardo’s destiny hangs within the stability. Some rumors even counsel that Ricciardo may very well be changed by the workforce earlier than this season ends, forcing Ricciardo to deal with that notion and extra when assembly with the media on Thursday in Singapore.
“Let’s say my first expectation is about subsequent yr,” mentioned Ricciardo to assembled media in Singapore on Thursday. “I can’t give too many particulars, however when it comes to the contract, that’s the present state of affairs. I’m mainly ready for a sure or no resolution. There may be hypothesis about the remainder of the season, however the resolution I’m ready for in the intervening time is about subsequent yr, however unusual issues occur in sport.”
Ricciardo even addressed the rumor that this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix may very well be his final race.
“I’d say it’s not my final race, however we all know how issues are on this sport. I’m not going to take a seat right here and say ‘I’m positively going to maintain going’. I wouldn’t wager my home on it,” mentioned the Australian driver.
“I’m 35 years outdated, I already had the expertise of driving on the entrance and I do know that it’s not so good to journey in the course of the pack and possibly know that these moments received’t come again. I’ve already had that dialog with myself. I’m not going to leap at any alternative I get subsequent yr.”
The motive force conceded on Thursday that the season has not unfolded how he envisioned in the beginning of the yr.
“After I was fascinated by how my yr could be in January, I anticipated it to be higher than it’s. I really feel like I’ve labored actually exhausting this yr and the end result hasn’t proven the hassle I’m placing in,” added Ricciardo. “However that’s the game. I want I may have been extra constant.”
Not solely had been Ricciardo’s feedback notable, however so too had been the people standing with him whereas he met with the media. Representatives from each VCARB and Pink Bull stood alongside Ricciardo throughout his session, a departure from the usual observe of only a VCARB consultant accompanying him:
Massive focus and curiosity in Daniel and his future right here in Singapore. Attention-grabbing to see media reps from each VCARB and RBR with him within the media pen. Says he genuinely has no information for brief or long run however contractual dates imply there will likely be a choice after this weekend. pic.twitter.com/zetTdgMM4b
— Will Buxton (@wbuxtonofficial) September 19, 2024
Ricciardo was not the one driver discussing his standing, however in the course of the FIA Press Convention his former teammate, Max Verstappen, weighed in on Ricciardo’s future.
“He’s achieved so much, greater than anybody may ever dream of. Even when it’s his final race, he can look again at one thing wonderful that not many individuals can obtain,” mentioned Verstappen. “And do one thing else possibly? Many different racing collection? Possibly chill again on the farm?”
Whether or not Ricciardo finally ends up doing one thing else stays to be seen, however it seems we could have some solutions quickly.
