P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo gambit has failed. But not so badly that he deserves the current uncertainty around his immediate future, let alone being dropped with six Formula 1 races to go in 2024, argues Scott Mitchell-Malm
Red Bull’s gamble with Daniel Ricciardo has not gone as planned, but it’s unfair to subject him to uncertainty about his future or consider dropping him with six Formula 1 races left in 2024. Ricciardo’s performance at Red Bull’s second team has fallen short of expectations, both his own and his employer’s, as he was intended to be a long-term option for Red Bull Racing. While he has had some impressive moments, his overall performance has been inconsistent, much like his teammate Yuki Tsunoda.
Although there may be some logic in considering a change for the future, there is no clear-cut reason to drop Ricciardo now, especially with Lawson potentially being seen as the future replacement. This uncertainty surrounding Ricciardo’s future raises questions about Red Bull’s intentions and leaves him in a precarious position going forward. Ultimately, this situation highlights the complexities and challenges facing Ricciardo and the Red Bull team as they navigate decisions about their driver lineup.
