Why David Croft thinks Daniel Ricciardo may ‘still have a drive’ in F1 next year

Follow us on Google Discover

Daniel Ricciardo knows that Liam Lawson may replace him at RB after the Singapore Grand Prix. There are strong rumours that a driver change is imminent at the Red Bull junior team.

The reason for the potential early change is unclear. Ralf Schumacher says a clause in Liam Lawson’s contract has forced Red Bull’s hand.

Ricciardo’s performances have been underwhelming, but not to the same extent as other drivers who have lost their seat mid-season. The Australian has outqualified teammate Yuki Tsunoda in four of the last seven races, and finished ahead in five (where both have been classified).

He’s only scored 12 points this year, 10 fewer than Tsunoda, having failed to maximise the potential of the car earlier in the year. RB have regressed, which means he’s effectively improved at the wrong time.

There are six races remaining after Singapore, which could theoretically help Lawson prepare for a full-time F1 debut alongside Tsunoda in 2025. But the 22-year-old already has five Grands Prix under his belt after deputising for an injured Ricciardo in 2023.

Red Bull bosses are set to meet next week to make a final decision on Ricciardo’s future. It’s unclear whether an inspired performance in Singapore could save him.

David Croft still thinks Daniel Ricciardo could race for RB in 2025

Speaking on Ted’s Podbook ahead of the race at Marina Bay, David Croft shared some cause for optimism for Ricciardo and his fans. He thinks Lawson will effectively be on trial in the two triple-headers.

If the New Zealander delivers, then that will likely be it for Ricciardo. But if he doesn’t meet the team’s expectations, then it’s possible that they will restore the eight-time Grand Prix winner.

Red Bull will already be well aware of Lawson’s capabilities after his stand-in stint last year and his extensive reserve duties. But now he must definitively prove that he offers RB an upgrade.

There is another seat available elsewhere, but Ricciardo hasn’t held any talks with Audi. It looks as if his F1 career will come to an end if he loses his current drive.

“They want to give Liam Lawson a chance to show how good he is before they have to make the two in three into two decision that we know is coming,” Croft said. So whilst I think with you – I’m expecting an announcement after Singapore – I’m not expecting Red Bull to say definitely the end of F1 for Daniel Ricciardo.

“It could be that next year he still has a drive. But they want to see what Liam Lawson can do first.”

Martin Brundle shares his ‘understanding’ on what will happen to Daniel Ricciardo

Red Bull haven’t definitively ruled out signing Lawson to replace Sergio Perez for 2025. That would potentially be a lifeline for Ricciardo, though he would still have to fight off F2 title contender Isack Hadjar for the spot at RB.

Helmut Marko says Red Bull’s shareholders want to promote young talent again. At 35, Ricciardo is at odds with that philosophy.

If he was proving himself to be a ready-made teammate Max Verstappen, then there would be a merit to keeping him around. But there’s a strong case that the team’s long-term interests are best served by promoting Lawson.

Martin Brundle’s ‘understanding’ is that Red Bull will drop Ricciardo post-Singapore. He will join Williams driver Logan Sargeant in failing to make it to Abu Dhabi.