With Formula 1 now in the summer break, the drivers can recharge as they wait patiently for the return at the Dutch Grand Prix. Many drivers head into the summer with contracts signed either with a new team or retained with their current team.
Some drivers are out of contract at the end of this season, and there is no confirmation if they will be signed on for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Or will they be left on the sidelines without a seat? One driver in this category is Daniel Ricciardo, the ‘Honey Badger’ himself.
The Australian is currently without a seat for next season. But given the nature of the eight-race winner’s performance so far this season, this generates more questions than answers. Is Ricciardo still a competitive driver? Yes. Is Ricciardo able to score points? Yes. But is Ricciardo on the same level of intensity as his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda? No.
Currently, Riccardo and Tsunoda are in 12th and 13th place in the drivers’ championship, with Yuki with 22 points and Daniel 10 points behind (12). The two drivers have propelled RB to sixth in the constructor’s championship. Their main competitor is Haas, who is seven points behind in the championship. But for Ricciardo to prove his calibre is worthy of staying in Formula 1, he needs to outmatch his Japanese team-mate.
But if Riccardo cannot create a competitive edge and is still stuck behind his teammates in the championship, his chances for the future of RB may look dim. So where would the Australian driver go? And what are the possible options available on the driver market? Let’s find out…
Red Bull Racing (Potential)
Red Bull? Why? Pretty simple. Sergio Perez has become the epicentre of the team’s struggle for a seventh constructor’s championship. The main reason? 28 points in the last 8 races. Let alone in a championship competitive car. As Ricciardo is still part of the Red Bull brand, the Milton Keynes-based team have kept Ricciardo under their wing. Since Ricciardo was announced as the third driver before the start of the 2023 season, Sergio’s side has been thorned if the Mexicans struggled to create competitive results. Now, that theory struggled to bear any fruit.
However, given the latest developments at Red Bull, Adrian Newey and Johnathan Wheatley are leaving to go to Audi in 2026. Key figureheads who played essential parts in Red Bull’s success are departing from the team. And Perez feeling the heat of just how much the team need him fighting at the front of the pack, will such developments sway the ‘Honey Badger’ to another team? Or will it become more an easier endeavour working his way back Red Bull?
Mercedes (Unlikely)
Mercedes Benz. Responsible for Lewis Hamilton achieving six world championships. Another championship for Nico Rosberg. And eight constructors’ world championships from 2014 to 2021. A feat that will prove difficult for Ricciardo if he chooses to approach the Brackley-based team. But what makes his chances a lot dimmer is Formula 2 and Mercedes protégé Andrea Kimi Antonelli. He is a driver sharpening his race craft within the Formula 2 series.
The 17-year-old Italian driver has already proven his calibre not only as Mercedes’ Junior Driver but also by taking two victories so far: at the Silverstone Grand Prix Sprint Race in the rain and a Feature Race victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Antonelli represents a stardom of young and fresh talent who is hungry to demonstrate his prowess on the track.
A stardom that Toto Wolff keeps his eye on for a future opportunity at Mercedes. Potentially in 2025? We do not know. But what we do know is Riccardo may have passed his pinnacle of performance as new and hungrier talent now occupies the driver market with keen eyes, as illustrated by Antonelli’s F2 team-mate, Oliver Bearman, signed by Haas on a multi-year deal.
The ‘Honey Badger’ to Retain at RB (Likely)
In his latest race at the Belgium Grand Prix, Daniel reflected on his performance as he feels he is “definitely” getting stronger and stronger, having a difficult start to the season. As he stated to Formula 1:
“I would have loved the whole first half [of the season] to have been strong – it wasn’t the case,” the eight-time race winner explained. “I obviously had my struggles in the first kind of half of [this] half, and it was clear I needed to pick it up and find something.”
This form continues to impress Laurent Mekies, who referred to Daniel as a “huge asset” in May. This comment is beginning to bear fruit on Daniel’s side of the garage. A point towards his tally in Belgium due to George Russell’s disqualification. As the ‘Honey Badger’ has his eyes set on Formula 1 returning to Zandvoort. However, suppose Red Bull chooses to retain Sergio Perez. In that case, Ricciardo may be solidified at RB, but there has been no announcement yet on whether the Australian driver will retain his seat.
However, the team itself is the only threat to the 35-year-old driver from Perth. Their reserve driver, Liam Lawson, after a five-race absence in 2023 due to a broken wrist. Liam Lawson was promoted to Alpha Tauri’s (at the time) second driver until Daniel was 100% medically cleared to race. The New Zealand driver proved he could tolerate the pressure as he could score points while Riccardo was absent.
Since then, the 22-year-old driver has been waiting patiently in the wings for another chance to prove his prowess. And if Ricciardo cannot deliver, the younger generation Liam Lawson may receive the call to replace the more experienced Australian driver.
Kick Sauber (Not possible)
What makes Riccardo’s chances at joining Kick Sauber the lowest is based on the new and upcoming team, Audi. The German manufacturer has 100% bought out the team, which will be renovated in 2026. Audi’s main ambition is highlighted with Nico Hulkenberg, signing a German driver for the German team. While we don’t see the revamp of Kick Sauber until 2026.
There is still a vacancy for the 2025 season regarding who the streaming platform lead brand will partner with alongside the 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix pole sitter. But if the ‘Honey Badger’ chooses the green team, it may only be for 2025, given the certainty of the intention of Audi hunting for their second German driver for the 2026 season.
Alpine (Unlikely)
Riccardo’s history at Renault, now named Alpine, creates opportunities for the team to become a podium contender again. However, just like Mercedes, Riccardo’s chances slumber as one driver stands in front of the queue ahead of Daniel. His name… Jack Doohan. After Esteban Ocon confirmed his departure, a vacuum for the second seat at Alpine came under demand.
During the weekend of the Belgium Grand Prix, Martin Brundle and Karun Chandok made the impression that Doohan is currently the “pole sitter” for it. His solidification comes down to Sainz having signed for Williams, which gives Jack Doohan more breathing room to become the main contender.
What are the best chances for the ‘Honey Badger’?
So far, the ‘Honey Badger’s’ options rest on the fate of Sergio Perez’s 2024 season if Red Bull chooses to depart from the ‘Mexican Minister of Defence’. As well as the hope that RB does not choose to incorporate a younger driver lineup if RB chooses to promote their reserve driver, Liam Lawson, into signing a full-time contract alongside Yuki Tsunoda.
As Daniel feels confident and his ambition grows ever stronger, the second portion of the season will play a factor in Riccardo’s future, to see if he can beat his younger Japanese team-mate to keep his Formula 1 future secure for another season. But for now, the drivers are focusing on enjoying the summer break until they prepare to book flights to Zandvoort for Round 15 of the Formula 1 2024 World Championship—the Dutch Grand Prix.
If you would like to learn more news about the world of Formula 1? Then why not check out “Red Bull Racing: Does Sergio Perez Need To Be Sacked?” or “Carlos Sainz Joins Williams: A New Chapter For Both Parties”
Image Credit: Red Bull Content Pool
