Why Daniel Ricciardo is now in a ‘super aggressive state’ ahead of the return of Formula 1

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The Formula 1 summer break is normally when teams start confirming their line-ups for the following season after studying half a season’s worth of data about the drivers on the grid.

However, Carlos Sainz’s move to Williams was the only announcement made ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix.

That’s because Lewis Hamilton triggered an early start to the driver merry-go-round by confirming his move to Ferrari before the first race of the season.

It means there are only a handful of available seats left and several drivers – both on and off the grid – fighting hard to make sure they’re still in F1 next year.

Arguably the most fascinating situation right now is within the Red Bull group.

Only Daniel Ricciardo has yet to be offered a deal for 2025, but Sergio Perez’s poor form has opened up a host of alternative scenarios.

Speaking to RacingNews365, RB team principal Laurent Mekies has been talking about the situation.

With Yuki Tsunoda already confirmed for another season and Liam Lawson patiently waiting to see where his future lies, all eyes are on how the Australian fares at Zandvoort and beyond.

Mekies has admitted that he’s been impressed with Ricciardo’s recent form, especially considering his slow start to the campaign.

Ricciardo’s chassis change at the Chinese Grand Prix appears to have been the turning point.

However, he still trails Tsunoda in the Drivers’ Championship with opportunities to score points at a premium.

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Laurent Mekies says Daniel Ricciardo is in a ‘super aggressive state’ fighting for his F1 future

Talking about the 35-year-old, Mekies said: “We kept saying that the simple truth is that [Ricciardo’s form] is a very good problem to have.

“Yes, we have three skilled drivers. Do we only have two race seats? Yes.

“Are we in a rush to make the call, no. That is what we have been saying all year long, we said we will have a chat in the summer break.

“That is the right time to start putting some [plans] for next year. Is Daniel in a super aggressive state to try and defend the seat? Yes.

“As people often ask us, do you think Daniel can still be at the level we used to see in the Red Bull a few years ago?

“At which point, you look at Miami, look at Canada and then the question is how do you get that consistency at that level?”

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Red Bull already have alternatives lined up to replace Daniel Ricciardo

The problem Ricciardo faces is the wealth of talent being stockpiled by Red Bull in their junior team.

Lawson has been promised a race seat for 2025 and right now a move to RB would be his most likely destination.

Formula 2 leader Isack Hadjar isn’t expected to be racing in F1 next year, but if he wins the championship then he’ll be knocking on the door in the future as well.

Ricciardo will know that a strong second half to the season could lead to a Red Bull seat, let alone staying at RB with Perez far from guaranteed a spot on the grid next year despite signing a new deal earlier in the campaign.

That may be motivating his ‘super aggressive state’ but comments from Helmut Marko about the future of RB as a junior team will also be playing a part in how he approaches the next few races.