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Pedestrian.tv

Sport

Lavender Baj

Is Daniel Ricciardo About To Retire? Or Will He Pull Off A ‘Hero’ Level Manoeuvre Instead?

Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull Sergio Perez David Croft Yuki Tsunoda Liam Lawson RB Max Verstappen McLaren TBC

As the Formula 1 season approaches the end and teams lock in their drivers for 2025, beloved Aussie driver Daniel Ricciardo‘s future remains uncertain.

The 35-year-old is currently driving for RB — Red Bull’s junior team — alongside Yuki Tsunoda, but where he ends up in 2025 is still up in the air as drivers prepare for the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend.

Is he about to retire? Or is he about to make the greatest move of his entire career?

Which seats are available for Daniel Ricciardo in the 2025 Formula 1 season?

As it currently stands, there are just two remaining seats to fill for the Formula 1 2025 season: Ricciardo‘s current spot at RB, and the second seat at Sauber.

However, there could soon be an extra seat up for grabs at Red Bull, if current driver Sergio Perez continues to under-perform. While Perez’ seat is technically already secured for 2025, we know all too well that F1 seats are never fully secured (unless, of course, you’re Lance Stroll and your dad buys you an F1 team).

Where will Daniel Ricciardo race in 2025?

According to Sky Sports commentator David Croft, Daniel Ricciardo only has his eyes on one seat — and that’s Checo’s.

“It’s the ultimate hero or zero for him – he either replaces Sergio Perez or he doesn’t drive in Formula 1. You can’t get a more hero or zero than that,” Croft told Nine.

Croft believes that Ricciardo made a huge mistake when he left Red Bull back in 2018. After his departure, he had stints at Renault and McLaren before returning to Red Bull as a reserve driver in 2023.

“I feel really sorry for Daniel. He is a tremendous talent who has excited and delighted us all for many years in Formula 1,” Croft said.

“But he made the wrong choice. He should never have left Red Bull in the first place.”

*Could this be the end of the shoey? (Image: EPA/VALDRIN XHEMAJ)*

Red Bull have some decisions to make

While Ricciardo obviously wants to return to the main Red Bull outfit, he’s not the only person the racing juggernaut needs to consider.

Across their two teams, Red Bull have Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez, Yuki Tsunoda, Daniel Ricciardo and also New Zealand rookie Liam Lawson.

Lawson is the most obvious fit for the spare seat at RB — a junior team designed as a place for young drivers to cut their teeth in the sport.

“Red Bull are keen to promote Liam Lawson. They don’t want to leave him on the sidelines any longer than they have to and Tsunoda is doing well enough to get another drive,” Croft said.

But while Perez may eventually lose his seat, Ricciardo may not have the results to take it.

“Sergio is the weak link. In terms of form at the moment, is Danny Ric driving well enough to replace Sergio Perez? It’s so hard to say,” Croft said.

“He’s not beating Yuki Tsunoda consistently, and Red Bull obviously don’t think Yuki Tsunoda is good enough for the second seat of the main team.

“Logically, how do you then promote Danny Ric to that seat? Unless you’re doing it for reasons other than your form on the track?”