Ricciardo says 'no pressure, no ultimatum' over RB future / Photo: ERWIN SCHERIAU - APA/AFP
Ricciardo says 'no pressure, no ultimatum' over RB future
Daniel Ricciardo brushed aside concerns over his future on Thursday, saying he felt under no extra pressure to save his seat at RB after claims that reserve driver Liam Lawson is set to replace him.
The 34-year-old Australian told reporters at a news conference ahead of this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix that he was reconciled to delivering high performance on track to earn a new contract.
Ricciardo, who is out of contract at the end of this season, said: "I don't feel one way or another about it. I still know the overriding thing in this sport is performance.
"That's what will give me my best chance of staying here. I know that. It's not going to be my smile or anything else. It's the on-track stuff."
He said he had received no ultimatums and was unaware of comments by Red Bull's influential veteran consultant Helmut Marko that it was time for the team to bring in a younger driver like New Zealander Lawson.
"There hasn't been any pressure, any ultimatum -- nothing like that," said Ricciardo.
"But also I've been in the sport a long time. I know that, if I'm getting my ass kicked every weekend, at some point someone will be like 'hey mate, step it up, otherwise...' but I haven't had that."
His hopes of regaining a seat alongside three-time champion Max Verstappen in the senior Red Bull team ended when struggling Sergio Perez was given a contract extension earlier this month.
After a period of indifferent performances, Ricciardo produced a determined drive in Canada following criticism by former champion Jacques Villneueve, who suggested he was no longer worthy of a seat.
RB have confirmed that Japanese Yuki Tsunoda will continue with them in 2025.
Confirmation on Thurday that Pierre Gasly had signed a contract extension with Alpine, one of Ricciardo's former teams, came as other teams closed their doors with Lance Stroll staying on with Aston Martin next year.
Both Gasly and Stroll have contacts to remain until 2025 "and beyond".
Aston Martin will also retain two-time champion Fernando Alonso in an unchanged line-up while Alpine hunt a successor to Esteban Ocon who leaves at the end of the year.
A.Schneider--MP
