Daniel Ricciardo’s fight for the 2025 Red Bull seat has gotten off to the worst possible start. With 2024 being crucial for Ricciardo to convince Red Bull to offer him their seat again, the honey badger has failed to impress. After finishing P16, with a late-race spin, at the Saudi Arabian GP, ex-F1 team boss, Eddie Jordan has warned the Aussie that he should focus on retaining his V-CARB seat before dreaming about something bigger.
Discussing Ricciardo’s season so far on the Formula for Success podcast, Jordan explained, “He [Ricciardo] needs a result, more than anyone perhaps. And he needs to get it together because otherwise, he is going to get replaced.”
During the season opener in Bahrain, V-CARB gave Ricciardo the preferential strategy over Yuki Tsunoda. They asked the latter to let Ricciardo pass since he was on fresher tires. The order, however, turned out to be in vain. Neither driver was able to finish in the top 10, and Tsunoda was visibly upset.
Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo’s late-race Bahrain GP dramatics caused unavoidable tension inside the RB #F1 team. Did the pair clear the air afterwards?
️”We did. And it was important,” says Ricciardo. “It’s also race one, so you can’t have any of this.” pic.twitter.com/cjltHDviMM
— The Race (@wearetherace) March 6, 2024
The Saudi Arabian GP proved to be an even more challenging race for Ricciardo. He was well out of reach for points when he spun out on turn 1 towards the end of the race. While it didn’t ruin his race, his spin led to the possibility of the safety car coming out. That could have compromised a Red Bull 1-2 being led by Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
Sergio Perez salvages F1 career at Daniel Ricciardo’s cost
Eddie Jordan’s comments about Ricciardo come in the backdrop of Helmut Marko putting pressure on the Perth-born driver to deliver. And while Jordan agrees that Ricciardo is an asset to the paddock as he brings an unmatched personality, it isn’t enough for him to keep his seat.
While discussing Ricciardo’s fate, Jordan emphasized the pressure even the sponsors would be putting on him to get results. On the other hand, with two P2 finishes in the opening two races of the season, Sergio Perez seems to be performing consistently to salvage his Red Bull seat.
Helmut Marko on Yuki and Ricciardo’s performances:
“Yuki’s qualifying performance was very good and Ricciardo will have to come up with something soon.”
[@SpeedweekMag / https://t.co/2D3SRysl0R] pic.twitter.com/oJtCDXwIBB
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) March 12, 2024
If Ricciardo’s bad form continues, Liam Lawson, a talented driver waiting patiently on the sidelines might replace him. Perez’s performances meanwhile, could earn him an extension.
