This story was originally published by Dead Spin
Daniel Ricciardo downplayed the notion that this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix will be his last race in Formula 1.
Ricciardo has been racing for Red Bull’s sister team RB since last July. The 35-year-old Australian has struggled on the track and resides 10 points behind teammate Yuki Tsunoda and in a distant 14th place overall in the driver standings.
Rumors have circled that Red Bull is set to replace the 35-year-old Australian with New Zealand racer Liam Lawson, 22, at the end of the season. Per ESPN, a clause in Lawson’s contract details that he could become a free agent if not given a seat for next season — and that could occur soon.
“Look, I know how it is and how it works and I knew there was always going to be some dates and deadlines this year whether it was summer break or now post-Singapore,” Ricciardo said. “Honestly it’s still so many things are up in the air.”
When asked if this weekend’s race would be his last, Ricciardo provided the following:
“I don’t think so, but, I also don’t want to stand here and be the lawyer.
“Look, I would say no, but also we know how this sport works. People have not seen through a season before. It’s nothing new in some ways. So I don’t want to also be, ‘Oh, 100 percent, I’ll bet all my house on it.’ I’ve been around too long.
“What’s crazy about the sport is if I go and get a podium this weekend then I’m probably the hottest thing in the sport.
“That’s the kind of the merry-go-round we’re on and I know it can change so quickly. So look, I’m aware that things are (heating) up, so to speak, but I just have to try and get my head down this weekend.”
–Field Level Media
