Was Singapore Ricciardo's last race in Formula 1?

Daniel Ricciardo faces one of the toughest moments of his Formula 1 career. After the Singapore Grand Prix, rumors about his departure from the team intensified, and now all signs point to Liam Lawson replacing him for the 2025 season. Red Bull has little time to secure Lawson’s future, as if no decision is made before September, he could be free to sign with another team.

Ricciardo returned to Red Bull in 2023 as a reserve driver after a difficult stint at McLaren. The Australian hoped to regain his form and prove he could still compete at the highest level, but his performance has been inconsistent. Despite some good moments, he hasn’t met Red Bull’s expectations, casting doubt on his future with the team.

The Pressure from Liam Lawson

Liam Lawson, a young prospect from Red Bull’s academy, has proven to be a solid candidate for a full-time seat. Helmut Marko, the team’s advisor, has made it clear that he wants to give Lawson a chance on the grid as soon as possible. This has fueled speculations about Ricciardo’s departure, especially following the recent performances of both drivers.

During the Singapore weekend, neither Christian Horner nor Helmut Marko denied the rumors about Ricciardo’s future. This further fueled the possibility that Ricciardo might be replaced before the season ends. In his statements, Ricciardo didn’t rule out the possibility that it might have been his last race, raising more doubts about his continuity with the team.

Performance in Singapore

The Singapore Grand Prix was crucial for Ricciardo’s future. After being eliminated in Q1, his chances for a good result vanished. Although he secured the fastest lap of the race, his overall performance wasn’t enough to solidify his place in the team. The driver expressed frustration after the event, aware that his days at Red Bull might be numbered.

In post-race interviews, Ricciardo admitted that he is ready for whatever decision the team makes. His words made it clear that he has no certainty about his future, and he has even acknowledged that his time in Formula 1 might be coming to an end.

What’s Next for Ricciardo?

Ricciardo has few viable options to remain in Formula 1, as teams are prioritizing younger drivers. Without a secured seat at Red Bull, his chances of finding a spot in another team are slim.

One of the clearest alternatives for the Australian driver would be a move to the United States, where he has shown interest in racing in series such as IndyCar or Nascar. Ricciardo has openly spoken about his fascination with American culture, which could ease his transition. He even had the opportunity to test one of Dale Earnhardt’s old cars. His experience and talent could help him adapt quickly to these categories.

Another interesting option for Ricciardo would be the World Endurance Championship. The wec has grown in popularity in recent years, and several former Formula 1 drivers have found success in this category. Teams such as Peugeot, Ferrari, Toyota, and Porsche compete in the wec, offering a highly competitive environment where Ricciardo could continue his career. Additionally, with his experience in single-seaters, Ricciardo could fit well into this championship.