Daniel Ricciardo has made it clear that his primary focus for 2025 is to remain within the Red Bull family, dismissing the idea of exploring opportunities with other teams in a bid to remain at all costs in Formula 1.
Ricciardo's contract with Visa Cash App RB expires at the end of the season, and his future is dependent on several factors. Yuki Tsunoda has already secured a contract extension with the Faenza-based outfit, but Red Bull reserve Liam Lawson is also being considered for a seat.
But depending on his results in the back half of this season, Ricciardo could be considered as a potential replacement for Sergio Perez at Red Bull Racing, should the Mexican fail to turn around his fortunes in the upcoming months.
Despite the uncertainty, Ricciardo has ruled out considering other teams as backup options, emphasizing his commitment to staying with Red Bull.
When asked in Zandvoort this weekend if his focus was entirely on Red Bull, Ricciardo said: “Yeah, it’s there. I think also, look, I’m most happy being back here.”
The Aussie believes that being focused solely on Red Bull allows him to perform at his best without distractions.
“I also, kind of speaking on performance, it’s kind of nice not looking elsewhere,” he added. “Or, you know, having maybe other little distractions because I can just focus on this.
“Look, it’s an all-in approach, but I think that approach will also get the most out of me. And if that is still not enough, then c’est la vie.
“But I think that will also bring, it kind of intensifies it, but also simplifies it. So I think it’s the best approach.
“I also, look, I know it’s not coming from a stubborn place, but I don’t really want to be anywhere else either.”
While a rival team, such as perhaps Audi-Sauber, could be interested in Ricciardo’s high-profile, experience and skills, the 35-year-old insist he hasn’t had any inquiries from any F1 outfits.
“Maybe they’re [other teams] just like, ‘well, no one’s reached out, so screw them’,” he added.
“No, I’m not going to say everyone’s like calling me, like, ‘hey, well, if this doesn’t work, we’ve got something for you’.
“But I think also I’ve been quite open about not wanting to… I’ve obviously done a bit of jumping around the last few years, and that in itself can be tiring.”
Ricciardo feels that he has earned his place back in the Red Bull family and is grateful for the opportunity they have given him.
“I feel like I’ve worked my way back to this place, and also Red Bull has given me the opportunity to be back here.
“So it’s not something I just want to dismiss and, okay, well, there is no next thing for me, this is it, and I’m appreciative of what they’ve been able to give me now, and I really just want to try and make it work with them.”
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