Daniel Ricciardo feels his current situation is challenging, as he faces the threat of losing his seat.
This sentiment reflects what F1 correspondent Lawrence Barretto observed during a poignant post-race interview in Singapore. Daniel Ricciardo‘s return to the sport has been marked by adversity, as he struggles to regain his previous form.
Leading up to the Singapore Grand Prix, rumors swirled that this might be Ricciardo’s last race with the Red Bull junior team, VCARB. Despite a disappointing P18 finish and a Q1 exit, he did manage to secure the fastest lap, but it didn’t alter the prevailing narrative. Following the race, an emotional Ricciardo spent an unusually long time in the car before heading to the media area, where he had a heartfelt discussion with Barretto.
Barretto described the interview as one of the toughest he had conducted. He noted that Ricciardo has always been open and genuine in their exchanges. However, this time, Ricciardo’s thoughtful responses reflected the immense pressure he faced throughout the weekend. Speculation about his potential exit loomed large even before he arrived in Singapore, adding to the strain.
During the interview, Barretto sensed that Ricciardo’s demeanor had changed dramatically from his usual upbeat self. Instead, he appeared troubled, which led Barretto to suspect that Ricciardo might have received disheartening news regarding his future. The discussion turned toward whether Ricciardo would finish the season or if Liam Lawson would take over sooner.
Ricciardo expressed a sense of peace about his situation, questioning whether he should remain if his dream return to Red Bull was over. However, Barretto pointed out that luck had never been on Ricciardo’s side. He described Ricciardo’s experience as always being “against the run of play.” Injuries and inconsistent car performance have plagued his comeback.
Barretto highlighted that Ricciardo’s return to F1 has been tumultuous. After breaking his hand in Zandvoort last year, he faced significant setbacks. This season, he began with a car that didn’t suit him, while teammate Yuki Tsunoda gathered valuable points. Even when Ricciardo performed well, he often finished just outside the points.
Barretto emphasized that Ricciardo has faced a series of unfortunate circumstances, which might hinder his ability to fully reconcile with his F1 journey. The competitive nature of the sport means many drivers face similar frustrations, but Ricciardo’s case feels particularly harsh given his talent.
Throughout the season, Ricciardo had been linked to a potential return to the main Red Bull team. Barretto expressed concern that Ricciardo might feel unfulfilled if he never got the opportunity to race with them again. He mentioned that until recently, Red Bull was interested in bringing Ricciardo back to replace Sergio Pérez.
With the recent developments, it raises questions about what changed within Red Bull’s strategy. Barretto pondered how the team’s stance could shift so dramatically after just four races. Ricciardo’s chance to prove himself again at Red Bull appears increasingly unlikely, leaving him with lingering questions about his potential.
As Formula 1 enters a month-long break before the United States Grand Prix, Ricciardo’s future remains uncertain. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this saga unfolds, and whether Ricciardo can turn his luck around in the upcoming races.