Ricciardo reveals reaction to rumors over F1 future

Daniel Ricciardo has admitted he is using the words of his biggest critics to spark an improvement in performances.

Given the Australian will find himself out of contract come the end of this season, his Formula 1 future currently hangs in the balance.

READ MORE: Horner WARNS Ricciardo over uncertain F1 future

Ricciardo has shown glimpses of his talent at Visa Cash App RB this season, most notably at the Miami Sprint Race, but has largely struggled to perform.

His team-mate Yuki Tsunoda meanwhile, has amassed 20 points after a promising first half of the campaign, resulting in the Japanese driver recently signing a new contract with the team.

Ricciardo had hoped to prove he was capable of earning another opportunity at Red Bull, but it would seem his performances in 2024 have pushed the 35-year-old down the pecking order.

RB star looking to build momentum

The eight-time race winner has consistently brushed off speculation over his future, insisting he is simply focused on rediscovering the form which previously made him one of the most sought-after drivers on the grid.

He was heavily criticised by former world champion Jacques Villeneuve this season, who questioned why he was still in the sport, while Red Bull boss Helmut Marko has hinted that RB may look for an alternative - such as Liam Lawson - going forward.

Speaking to Formula 1.com, the ex-McLaren driver admitted he is fully aware of what some people within the sport think of him, but that he is trying to use negative comments as fuel to turn his season around.

“It’s probably the thing I was certainly lacking for most of the season so far, was to string a few decent results together,” said Ricciardo.

“But yeah, I don’t know, it feels like when we have a media briefing and they’re like, ‘Yeah, a few people are saying things about you’, I tend to have a decent weekend - maybe some of it’s good!

“I also know what’s required and I’m finally getting a little bit of momentum. Probably what I envisioned I should have maybe had all season so far, it was a little bit tougher to get that going. But now, try to keep it going. I feel quite good in the car.”

READ MORE: McLaren make ANOTHER shock driver lineup announcement

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