Ricciardo rules out moves in BOLD admission on future

Daniel Ricciardo has admitted it is 'Red Bull or bust' as he faces two stark possibilities in 2025: Red Bull or what is likely to be a permanent exit from the grid.

The Australian's deal at junior team Visa Cash App RB expires at the end of this season.

READ MORE: Brad Pitt F1 movie set to feature ICONIC US race despite controversy

It has been a tumultuous campaign for the 35-year-old, with questions continually being raised over whether he is worthy of a coveted F1 seat.

He has accumulated just 12 points so far in 2024, with team-mate Yuki Tsunoda - who has already extended his contract at RB - often getting the better of his counterpart.

Red Bull the place 'where I belong' - Ricciardo

Reserve driver Liam Lawson had been tipped to replace Ricciardo, but recent reports indicated that the Kiwi racer will have to wait at least until the end of this season for an opportunity.

Ricciardo has made no secret of his desire to return to Red Bull at some stage, and despite his below-par performances this season, was one of the names linked with replacing Sergio Perez at the constructors' champions after the summer break.

However, the Mexican has been assured that he will retain his position for now, putting an end to speculation over his short-term future, and in turn, providing some immediate clarity on Ricciardo's situation.

The eight-time race winner has now revealed that he is not considering joining another team outside of the Red Bull 'family', admitting that he is placing his future in sport at risk in doing so.

Speaking to The Mirror, Ricciardo explained: "I think when I came back into the sport and into the Red Bull family, for me the mentality the whole time was: 'This is it - this is kind of my last chance or my second opportunity'.

READ MORE: Verstappen admits CHEATING when teasing Red Bull team-mate

"I feel like if this doesn't work, maybe nowhere else will. I've kinda just gone for that all-in approach, also because I want it to work here.

"I had moments of fun at Renault and McLaren for sure - I don't look back like: 'F*** those guys', I enjoyed those years - but this does feel like home for me and the place where I belong the most.

"It's like tunnel vision, trying to make this work. Yes, it might not and maybe I won't have a seat, but I haven't really allowed myself to think that.

"Maybe that's risky, but I'm not really interested in having chats with other teams because I feel like that will derail me from where I'm trying to go.

"It's like, Red Bull or bust. If I don't get promoted, then I want to still be here [in the Red Bull family]."

Ricciardo acted as Red Bull's third driver in 2023 before being parachuted in to replace the underperforming Nyck de Vries at the summer break.

READ MORE: Sainz OFFICIALLY ends contract saga with two-year deal

Related

Latest F1 News

Horner teases Ricciardo F1 COMEBACK after 2026 link

• Yesterday 00:00

Red Bull

Who is new F1 driver Isack Hadjar? The Red Bull star promoted for 2025

• December 20, 2024 21:00