Ricciardo speaks out on a potential mindset change amidst Marko's comments
F1 News
Comments from Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko are swirling around the paddock. The Austrian, who is known for applying plenty of pressure to Red Bull and VCARB drivers with his words, did so once again, indicating that Liam Lawson will get a seat in Formula 1 in 2025, replacing either Sergio Perez or Daniel Ricciardo. The Australian, who has had a rollercoaster of an F1 career, knows that the final nine races of the 2024 season are the biggest of his life.
The VCARB driver currently sits on 12 points, putting him 13th in the drivers' standings, ten points away from his teammate Yuki Tsunoda who is one place above him. The Japanese driver has earned himself a new contract with the Racing Bulls in what has been a positive season, while the Australian is still waiting for confirmation of his future in F1.
Riccardo knows that his F1 future is hanging in the balance, and poor performances in any one of those races may bring an end to his time in F1. But despite the pressure on the 35-year-old, he said his mindset is still as sharp as ever and not softening.
Ricciardo 'operating at his best' under the pressure
Speaking to media at the Italian Grand Prix, including GPblog, Ricciardo believes that his mindset has not changed at all coming into these vital races: "If I feel like I am softening my mindset, then I kind of shake myself a little bit and make sure I'm not, because I think it is still very important. But I also think I'm still learning, which is great, and I think that mindset is a much better one for me."
The eight-time Grand Prix winner will be hoping for more success around Monza, which is where he took his most recent win in 2021 with McLaren. And with a lot on the line for the Australian, he knows that is where he performs at his best: "I think, when there is a bit more on the line, and when that pressure is a little bit higher, I think it, in a way, kind of increases that spark in me and stops me from feeling a little bit relaxed, or whatever you want to say. And I think it is still the case. These are very important races. But if, for whatever reason, they weren't, even if I signed a contract today, I still should be telling myself that they are because I think that's where I operate the best for myself."
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