Max Verstappen sends message to Daniel Ricciardo as F1 axe rumours swirl
With rumours gathering pace around Ricciardo's future in F1, his former team-mate and rival has offered some words of advice to the Australian
Max Verstappen has suggested that Daniel Ricciardo should go and "chill" back home on his farm if the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix turns out to be the Australian's final race in Formula 1.
Ricciardo was tipped to secure a seat with Red Bull for 2025 alongside Verstappen should he perform well for junior team RB. However, the 35-year-old has struggled in recent times.
Sergio Perez has extended his contract with Red Bull while RB have retained Yuki Tsunoda. With a plan to promote Liam Lawson from reserve driver also in motion, it's now looking likely that Ricciardo will soon leave the sport for the second time in three seasons with young New Zealander Lawson possibly deputising for the Australian after the next race.
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Speaking on his former team-mate's potential swansong, the three-time champion Verstappen has suggested Ricciardo should look back on his career with pride. He also claimed he could look to move onto a new profession, or simply relax back at his sprawling house in Australia.
"Daniel is a great guy and he’s proven himself as a great F1 driver," Vertsappen said. "He’s achieved a lot, more than anyone could ever dream of. Even if it’s his last race, he can look back at something amazing that not many people can achieve.
"Do something else maybe? Maybe other racing series? Maybe chill back at the farm?"
If Lawson is confirmed for 2025, it would then leave only one seat free on the grid for next year at Sauber. However, it's not believed Ricciardo is being considered for the Swiss team.
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"My first expectation is about next year, so that’s where I’m at the moment," Ricciardo told reporters. "Obviously, I can’t give too many details, but in terms of contract, yeah, our dates pretty much come into this window now. So basically, I do expect a yes or a no for ’25"
"I’m aware of some talk and speculation about the rest of the season, but that (being replaced after Singapore), for me, at the moment, I’m unaware of.
"So, the decision I expect is for next year. But obviously, crazy things have happened in this sport, so I’m also not going to stand here too boastful and confident. I believe I will be, but let’s see.
"We know how this sport works. You know, people have not seen through a season before, so it’s nothing new in some ways So, I don’t want to also be like, “oh, 100% I’ll bet all my house on it”. I’ve been around too long."
Ricciardo, who has also had stints with Renault and McLaren, has earned eight wins in his F1 career and scored 32 podium finishes. However, his last victory came back in 2021 at the Italian Grand Prix.
The Singapore Grand Prix will get underway this Sunday, September 22 at Marina Bay.
