Giedo van der Garde tells Red Bull what they must do with Daniel Ricciardo if they ‘respect’ him

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Daniel Ricciardo is desperately fighting to keep his Formula 1 career alive as his contract runs out at the end of the 2024 season.

Visa Cash App RB and Sauber are the only two teams yet to confirm their second driver for 2025 as the F1 ‘silly season’ has produced multiple driver transfers. Three new faces are also set to join the grid in Oliver Bearman, Jack Doohan and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

RB have already confirmed Yuki Tsunoda for 2025, who has outperformed his teammate Ricciardo this year with 22 points compared to the Aussie’s 12.

Liam Lawson has been heavily linked with the vacant seat for 2025, with it believed to be a straight shootout between the Kiwi driver and Ricciardo. However, it is looking more likely to be the former, with Ted Kravitz believing an announcement could be made after the Singapore Grand Prix.

Some speculation even suggested that Ricciardo could be out of RB before seasons end. With just seven races to go in 2024, the 35-year-old is running out of time to save his Formula 1 career.

Giedo van der Garde says Red Bull will let Daniel Ricciardo finish the season if they have ‘respect’ for him

Speaking on the DRS: De Race Show, former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde gave his thoughts on what Red Bull should do with Ricciardo for the end of the season.

Despite the immense pressure on the Aussie, Ricciardo is well-liked at Red Bull and is a huge fan favourite in the paddock and the grandstands around the world.

Rumours have speculated that Lawson will replace Ricciardo, but only if he completes five races before the end of the season.

While speaking about this rumour, van der Garde expressed his hope that if Red Bull had ‘respect for Ricciardo’ he would be allowed to finish the 2024 season.

“You do not know what the contract is, who made that, how he drew that. You don’t know, I mean it’s all speculation,” he said.

“But on the other hand, if that is really the case then it will of course be fantastic that Lawson [will race] the last five races.

“Yes, well at least the last season [for Ricciardo]. I hope for him that he can finish the season. I mean, that will happen in my opinion, because, very honest, he of course has a lot of respect within the Red Bull group. He has been trained for that.

“Even if this is his last year, you still let him sit for the last few races.”

Visa and Cash App want to keep Daniel Ricciardo at RB

It is looking increasingly likely that a decision has already been made with RB in that Ricciardo will be out and replaced by Lawson.

What may present a big headache for the team is that RB’s main title sponsors Visa and Cash App see Ricciardo as a major asset with the team and are keen to keep him on board for 2025.

This would go against Red Bull’s philosophy that RB are seen as the junior team to develop their young talents. At 35 years old, Ricciardo does not fit the ‘junior’ identity that the team want.

It also goes against the clause that Red Bull triggered in Lawson’s contract that promises him an F1 programme. Had they not done so, the Kiwi driver would have been free to join another team.

It is clear how highly Red Bull rate Lawson and his ability in an F1 car is evident. The 23-year-old impressed in place of Ricciardo last season after the Aussie broke his wrist in Zandvoort, with Lawson scoring his first F1 points in Singapore.