Marc Surer stunned that £5.2m-a-year driver is still racing in Formula 1

Follow us on Google Discover

Formula 1 has undergone one of the silliest of silly seasons in 2024, with drivers moving everywhere and others graduating from Formula 2 to new teams.

We’ve seen a few drivers move up prematurely, including Franco Colapinto and Oliver Bearman who impressed many with their performances at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

One man has stood the test of time for so long, but appears that the end of the road may be near as rife speculation intensifies in Singapore.

There are multiple drivers waiting in the wings to snap up an opportunity to drive in Formula 1 currently, including Liam Lawson and Theo Pourchaire who have been patient in waiting for a chance.

Marc Surer ‘amazed’ that Daniel Ricciardo still has a Formula 1 seat

Daniel Ricciardo hasn’t quite managed to capture the form of his Red Bull days with Visa Cash App RB that his £5.2 million-per-year wage commands and it has left him vulnerable to losing his seat.

The Aussie had a great chance at a Red Bull drive heading into the season, with looming speculation over Sergio Perez’s future, but he failed to deliver.

Speaking to Formel1.de, former Formula 1 driver Marc Surer discussed Ricciardo’s future and how the new rookies reflect on him.

READ MORE: Mercedes make hire from NASA as Wolff rues ‘strain’ F1 created

“We were all amazed, it was supposed to happen during the summer break. Why didn’t it happen then?,” he said.

“I think the weekend showed that the young ones are coming, there’s a generational change in Formula 1 and the old ones just have to get out and the young ones in.

“The longer you go with it, it’s nice if you can finish the season, but doesn’t actually do much for Red Bull or RB in this case.”

Could Ricciardo be on his way out?

Rumours making their way around the paddock currently suggest that Ricciardo could be replaced after the Singapore Grand Prix by Liam Lawson.

The Kiwi driver has been promised an F1 drive somewhere on the grid, and it looks as if his dream of being a full-time driver may be close.

It’s a move that would bring more job security to Perez, who has improved recently and leaves Red Bull with no logical replacement for him.

READ MORE: Ralf Schumacher thinks £108k-a-week driver will compete in his last F1 race at the Singapore Grand Prix

Ricciardo’s Formula 1 career would likely cease to exist, with openings elsewhere looking unlikely – but where else could he go?

A move to IndyCar would be interesting, with a few seats available in the North American series, but the World Endurance Championship could also be an option too.