Martin Brundle has spoken about Daniel Ricciardo’s future amid reports he could be replaced by Red Bull.
Heading into this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix, one of the main talking points is the future of Australian Ricciardo.
The eight-time Formula 1 race winner currently drives for Red Bull’s sister team RB alongside Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda but has endured a tough season.
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Ahead of this weekend’s race around the Marina Bay Street Circuit, it has been reported that Red Bull could drop Ricciardo.
It has also been claimed that Liam Lawson is in pole position to take over Ricciardo’s seat.
Speaking on Sky Sports ahead of the first practice session, Brundle gave his views on the situation.
He said: “My understanding is that Daniel won’t be in the car in Austin at the next grand prix, but remains in the Red Bull pool. They want to see how Liam Lawson goes, for a number of reasons, I would imagine.
“I think if Daniel had had a stronger season, it would have made a big difference, not just in the secondary team at RB but in the primary team as well at Red Bull Racing.”
Brundle added: “It’s not gone as well as he would have wanted, thus I don’t expect him in the car in Austin.”
Ricciardo himself spoke about his future in F1 on Thursday, he said: “Look, I know how it is and how it works and there was always going to be some deadlines this year and post Singapore is the next one.
“So many things are up in the air, let's see how the weekend goes. Obviously i'm going to give it all I can, there's always something to fight for.”
The Australian continued: “So look, I'm aware that things are hotting up, so to speak, but I just have to try and get my head down this weekend.”
Ricciardo’s former teammate Max Verstappen said: “Daniel is a great guy. I think he has proven himself as a great Formula 1 driver. He’s a friend of mine.
“And I think, in general, always being in this kind of position is never nice. But at the other end also, I don’t think he has to feel sorry for himself.”
He added: “Sometimes things maybe don’t work out the way you want them in certain stages of your career, but you still have achieved a lot more than anyone could ever dream of in their lives.”
Topics: Daniel Ricciardo, Formula 1, Red Bull Racing
Marcus Chan