What ‘high level sources’ are saying about Daniel Ricciardo’s future amid backing from RB title sponsors

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Daniel Ricciardo will soon receive official confirmation of his fate at Red Bull. He’s been at the centre of one of the longest-running stories in the F1 driver market this year.

As early as the spring, there was speculation that Ricciardo could lose his RB seat to Liam Lawson. Lawson had impressed in a five-race spell last year when the Australian suffered an injury.

Then, from July onwards, the narrative shifted. While still fighting for his RB future, Ricciardo was suddenly in contention for a stunning return to Red Bull at the expense of the struggling Sergio Perez.

That talk has now somewhat cooled. And Red Bull triggered a vital clause in Lawson’s contract ahead of the mid-September deadline.

By doing so, they have formally promised Lawson an F1 seat. He was free to leave if they failed to provide one.

It’s not yet clear whether the 22-year-old will land at RB alongside Yuki Tsunoda or, in a potential saving grace for Ricciardo, replace Perez. But Red Bull will communicate their decision after Singapore, executive director Helmut Marko says.

Visa and Cash App want Daniel Ricciardo to stay at RB

According to Formu1a.uno, Ricciardo has the backing of RB title sponsors Visa and Cash App. Given that he’s one of the most popular drivers on the grid, they see him as a ‘major asset’.

They believe it would be a significant blow if he lost his seat. And they could feel his loss most of all at the US events, including the races in Austin and Las Vegas, given Ricciardo’s large American following.

However, ‘high-level sources’ state that ‘commercial’ factors won’t play a part in the decision. Red Bull will consider their options based on their merits.

The team have already denied that Carlos Slim and Liberty Media lobbied for Perez. The suggestion was that they were determined to keep him on the grid for next month’s Mexico City GP.

What Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson were told about their futures before Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Ted Kravitz has heard that Lawson is line for an RB seat alongside Tsunoda next year. That could cost Ricciardo his place on the grid, unless Christian Horner takes the gamble of bringing him back to Red Bull.

The eight-time race-winner sits 14th in the standings with just 12 points to his name. He fell behind Alex Albon in Azerbaijan as the Williams driver bagged seventh.

Before the race, Ricciardo and Lawson were told that a decision has been made. The 35-year-old may not be able to save himself, then, with a strong weekend in Singapore.

Horner gave Ricciardo a second chance midway through last year, six months after he’d lost his McLaren drive. He’s failed to make the most of it, and he may now be entering his last seven races.