Daniel Ricciardo gives update on F1 future after Red Bull snub

The Aussie was one of the drivers tipped to partner Max Verstappen if Red Bull had decided to axe Perez, but on Tuesday it was announced that the Mexican had extended his stay with the Formula 1 champions until 2026.

Ricciardo, who races for their sister-team RB, now faces the prospect of dropping off the grid again with his contract up at the end of the season and little interest from rival teams.

The eight-time race winner could extend his stay with RB, but hasn’t started the year in great form, especially in comparison to teammate Yuki Tsunoda, while Red Bull junior Liam Lawson is also waiting in the wings for his chance.

Reacting to the news of Perez’s new deal Ricciardo told the media at the Canadian Grand Prix: ‘It doesn’t surprise me and it doesn’t change anything for me.

‘Obviously, my goal… at some point I’d love to be back there. But I also know that my season hasn’t been spectacular.

‘I had a spectacular moment in Miami but otherwise I’ve been a bit up and down and I’ve been doing this long enough and I know myself that I want to be doing better.

‘Already after the first few races I was just focused on trying to do the most I can here. Through that, then I’ll have the most control over my future.

‘Up until now I probably haven’t been awesome enough but, equally, I am happy being here just being back in the Red Bull family. We’ll keep charging forward.

‘I don’t think [Perez’s renewal] means that now it will never happen. We’ll see. If I’m [still] here next year, then I’ll be happy.’

As for Tsunoda, the Japanese racer has been among the best in 2024 and revealed that he’s had some conversations about a move elsewhere but remains loyal to his current team.

He said: ‘It’s an ongoing discussion with Red Bull – we’ll see how it goes. If Red Bull want me, hopefully I can stay here.’