Sep.19 (GMM) The Singapore GP this weekend actually could possibly be Daniel Ricciardo’s last-ever System 1 race.
Rumours which have been swirling all season are actually changing 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 inside the 2024 season for the 22-year-old rookie reserve driver from New Zealand.
“It was in all probability a part of the contract,” commented former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, talking to Sky Deutschland, “in any other case they’d have misplaced Lawson.”
When requested concerning the driver lineup on the junior workforce RB, Pink Bull’s prime F1 advisor Dr Helmut Marko informed Viaplay at Baku final weekend: “It’s nonetheless September, however from Singapore, we may have a exact thought.
“It is going to be fairly clear as to what is going to occur with the second seat.”
Schumacher believes workforce proprietor Pink Bull will announce in Singapore not solely that Lawson is changing Ricciardo full-time in 2025, however that the teenager can even 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 workforce, that’s what the administration has all the time mentioned and supported – ‘We are going to depend on younger drivers’. And that’s why it is smart,” Schumacher added.
“It’s in fact an amazing pity for Daniel, as a result of we might be lacking a driver who’s tremendous likeable and a pleasure to satisfy whenever 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 could possibly be ending.
“If it ended at the moment, I might be happy with what I’ve accomplished,” mentioned the 8-time grand prix winner.
“However on the identical notice, you’re by no means absolutely glad as a result of the explanation I obtained into System 1 was to attempt to turn out to be world champion. That’s one thing I’ll clearly nonetheless try to obtain till the day I retire.”
