As System 1 entered the summer season shutdown hypothesis swirled round Sergio Pérez. With the Purple Bull driver enduring a tough run of type and the group going through a real title problem within the Constructors’ Championship, many believed the break provided Purple Bull an opportunity to make a driver swap, maybe selling Daniel Ricciardo into that seat to solidify their probabilities at holding on atop the standings.
Whereas Purple Bull determined in opposition to such a transfer, committing to Pérez because the shutdown started, Ricciardo admitted on Thursday on the Dutch Grand Prix that the potential for such a promotion did cross his thoughts.
“I didn’t rule it out,” stated Ricciardo to Sky Sports activities F1 at Zandvoort on the prospects of changing Pérez at Purple Bull. “I believed perhaps one thing might occur however I additionally didn’t anticipate it or get my hopes up.
“I used to be conscious ‘perhaps one thing adjustments’, however I simply thought: ‘Do what I’m doing and if I get a name, I get a name.’ I didn’t get a name however that’s what I mentally ready myself for.”
Whereas Ricciardo didn’t get the decision he was making ready for, now his ideas flip to protecting his present seat, quite than transferring up within the Purple Bull household. Whereas Visa Money App RB F1 Crew introduced earlier this season that Yuki Tsunoda could be again subsequent 12 months, they haven’t solidified the second seat for 2025.
Each Ricciardo and reserve driver Liam Lawson are within the fold for that spot, and in the beginning of August Purple Bull senior advisor Dr. Helmut Marko hinted at a 2025 function for Lawson. “It’s a tricky time for somebody like Liam, particularly as he jumped into the automotive underneath very, very tough circumstances and did very properly. We price him excessive and he’ll get his probability,” stated Marko earlier this month. “Simply wait. September, you’ll have a solution.”
Would possibly that imply Ricciardo is out, and Lawson is in, subsequent season?
“I’ve each alternative in entrance of me and that’s the wonder, it’s as much as me,” Ricciardo advised Sky Sports activities F1. “Sure, there may be all the time strain from myself, and that of the Purple Bull system, however I do know if I do a job, I’ll have a seat and someplace to race.”
Nonetheless, Ricciardo — who examined at Imola over the break alongside Lawson — has been impressed with the reserve driver.
“I bought to see Liam drive the automotive final 12 months and I believe he did an important job and is worthy of a seat on the grid,” added Ricciardo. “In a approach, I’m joyful for him. If he’s assured a seat on the grid subsequent 12 months, that’s good as a result of he’s a deserving driver.
“What which means for me might be a bit unknown but when I carry out, they’ll discover a spot for me someplace!”