Sep.19 (GMM) The Singapore GP this weekend actually might be Daniel Ricciardo’s last-ever Components 1 race.
Rumours which have been swirling all season are actually turning into concrete, with a number of sources reporting that Pink Bull has taken up the expiring 2025 ‘choice’ on Liam Lawson’s present contract.
That choice – apparently expiring on the finish of September – seems to be a assure of at the very least 5 grands prix throughout the 2024 season for the 22-year-old rookie reserve driver from New Zealand.
“It was most likely a part of the contract,” commented former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, chatting with Sky Deutschland, “in any other case they might have misplaced Lawson.”
When requested in regards to the driver lineup on the junior crew RB, Pink Bull’s high F1 advisor Dr Helmut Marko informed Viaplay at Baku final weekend: “It’s nonetheless September, however from Singapore, we can have a exact thought.
“It will likely be fairly clear as to what’s going to occur with the second seat.”
Schumacher believes crew proprietor Pink Bull will announce in Singapore not solely that Lawson is changing Ricciardo full-time in 2025, however that the teen may also be racing within the Australian’s seat from Austin onwards.
“It has not but been formally confirmed, however sadly it appears to be Daniel Ricciardo’s final race in Singapore and from then on Liam Lawson will drive,” he mentioned.
“RB is a junior crew, that’s what the administration has all the time mentioned and supported – ‘We’ll depend on younger drivers’. And that’s why it is sensible,” Schumacher added.
“It’s in fact a fantastic pity for Daniel, as a result of we will probably be lacking a driver who’s tremendous likeable and a pleasure to fulfill once you see him within the paddock.”
As for Ricciardo, CNN posted an interview with the 35-year-old this week, and he sounds resigned to the notion that his F1 profession might be ending.
“If it ended right now, I might be pleased with what I’ve carried out,” mentioned the 8-time grand prix winner.
“However on the identical observe, you’re by no means totally happy as a result of the rationale I bought into Components 1 was to attempt to turn into world champion. That’s one thing I’ll clearly nonetheless try to obtain till the day I retire.”
