Ricciardo sees run to Abu Dhabi as last chance to save F1 career

Daniel Ricciardo believes he is facing a crucial juncture in his Formula 1 career as the season enters its final eight races, which could be his last as a Grand Prix driver.

With his contract expiring at the end of the year and Red Bull poised to make a decision on Liam Lawson's future, Ricciardo's place on the grid is uncertain.

The 35-year-old F1 veteran is no stranger to the highs and lows of the sport. With 255 career starts and eight victories—seven of them with Red Bull Racing—he has experienced the thrill of standing on the top step of the podium.

His last win came at Monza in 2021, during an unexpected moment of triumph with McLaren. However, the euphoria of that victory quickly faded, as a difficult second season with McLaren in 2022 saw his form drop significantly, leading to his replacement by fellow Australian Oscar Piastri.

Since then, Ricciardo has fought hard to regain his footing. After spending time as Red Bull’s third driver, he was given a second chance at a race seat with AlphaTauri – now Visa Cash App RB – midway through the 2023 season.

But while there have been flashes of his old brilliance, his performances have been inconsistent, mirroring some of the struggles he faced during his McLaren stint.

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There have been slight improvements in recent races, in which he has outperformed his RB teammate Yuki Tsunoda. But the team’s dip in competitiveness has left Ricciardo’s efforts somewhat hidden from view, making his future in F1 increasingly unclear.

Despite the uncertainty, Ricciardo remains focused, understanding the importance of what lies ahead and determined to approach the remaining races in the back half of the F1 season with an all-or-nothing mentality.

“It needs to be the mindset,” he said, quoted by Speedcafe. “And if I feel like I’m softening that, then I need to kind of shake myself a little bit and make sure I’m not.”

For Ricciardo, this mindset isn’t just about dealing with pressure – it’s about survival.

“When there’s a bit on the line, when that pressure is a little bit higher, it in a way kind of increases that spark in me and stops me from feeling a little bit, maybe relaxed or whatever you want to say,” he explained.

With no guarantees for 2025, these final eight races are critical. Ricciardo knows that he must treat each race as though his future depends on it.

“These are very important races,” he added. “But even if, for whatever reason, they weren’t, even if I signed a contract today, I still should be telling myself that they are because I think that’s where I operate the best for myself.”

As the run to Abu Dhabi unfolds, Ricciardo is approaching the most pivotal moment of his career.

With Liam Lawson ready to step into the spotlight, the ‘Honey Badger’ knows that his future in F1 hangs in the balance, and how he performs in these last races will likely determine his fate.

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