Ricciardo set for axe - and only has himself to blame
The Independent|September 21, 2024
When handed a second chance in Formula One last summer, Daniel Ricciardo had his aspirations set higher than a paltry seat at Red Bull's sister team.
KIERAN JACKSON
Ricciardo set for axe - and only has himself to blame

Talking to The Independent, the effervescent Australian made no secret of his desire to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull, with 2025 a realistic target. Yet what matters in this sport – beyond a joyous expression and personality – is twofold: the stopwatch and the standings.

Ricciardo, try as he might, has not been up to scratch on both. A crying shame, both for his fans and for fans of the sport. Heading into round 18 of the season in Singapore this weekend, the 35-year-old is 14th in the championship standings but, more significantly, languishes 10 points behind his teammate Yuki Tsunoda.

Ricciardo’s F1 future is on the verge of disintegration once again.

RB reserve driver Liam Lawson is on the cusp of a 2025 call-up and speculation is rife that the New Zealander could be promoted to the cockpit ahead of round 19 in Austin on 20 October. This would make this weekend’s grand prix under the lights of the Marina Bay Street Circuit Riccardo’s 257th, and final, race in F1.

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