F1 Chief Sets Deadline for Potential Daniel Ricciardo Replac....

F1 Chief Sets Deadline for Potential Daniel Ricciardo Replac….read more

As the 2025 Formula 1 season intensifies, all eyes are on Daniel Ricciardo and his future with the RB team (formerly AlphaTauri). With performance under scrutiny and increasing speculation surrounding his place on the grid, the team’s leadership has now provided clarity on when a decision regarding Ricciardo’s seat will be made — and it’s coming fast.

RB team principal Laurent Mekies has confirmed that a final decision about Ricciardo’s status for the remainder of the season will be made ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix. The iconic race, one of the most prestigious on the calendar, is often a critical checkpoint for teams to assess performance and make necessary changes. Mekies stated that the team would evaluate their current driver lineup, including Ricciardo, before arriving in Monte Carlo.

Ricciardo, an eight-time Grand Prix winner, rejoined the Red Bull racing ecosystem midway through 2023 after a stint with McLaren that did not go as planned. His return to the grid with RB was seen as a second chance to revive his F1 career, especially with the ultimate aim of returning to Red Bull’s senior team. However, 2025 has been far from smooth sailing for the Australian.

In the early races of this season, Ricciardo has struggled to match the pace and consistency of his younger teammate, Yuki Tsunoda. While Tsunoda has delivered strong performances and scored valuable points for the team, Ricciardo has faced challenges adapting to the car and maximizing his results. His qualifying laps have often left him in the bottom half of the grid, and his race pace has raised concerns among analysts and fans alike.

Mekies acknowledged these struggles but emphasized that the team remains supportive. “Daniel is a highly experienced driver with a proven track record. We know what he’s capable of,” Mekies said. “However, in this sport, results matter. We’ve set Monaco as our internal deadline to make an informed decision about how we proceed.”

This means Ricciardo’s performances in the next race or two could be crucial in determining whether he remains in the seat beyond Monaco. The pressure is mounting, as the RB team also has other talents in its development program, such as Liam Lawson, waiting in the wings.

Lawson, who impressed many during his substitute appearances in 2023, is considered a strong candidate to step into Ricciardo’s seat if the team decides a change is necessary. The New Zealander demonstrated composure and speed during his brief stint, and many insiders believe he deserves a full-time chance.

“We’re constantly monitoring our options,” Mekies added. “Liam has shown great promise. But any change we make must be strategic and beneficial for the team’s long-term goals.”

The looming decision is also tied to broader movements within the Red Bull family. With Sergio Pérez’s future at Red Bull Racing uncertain, the energy drink-backed team is closely watching the progress of its junior drivers. Ricciardo was seen as a potential successor to Pérez if he regained his old form, but that prospect seems increasingly distant given his current form.

Fans of Ricciardo are hoping for a turnaround. Known for his charisma, overtaking skills, and late-braking heroics, the 34-year-old remains one of the most popular figures on the grid. But F1 is a results-driven sport, and sentiment can only carry a driver so far.

As the Monaco Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on Ricciardo. With just a few races left to prove himself, he faces one of the most pivotal moments of his racing career. Whether he stays or goes, the decision will undoubtedly shape not only his future but the direction of RB’s season and beyond.