DANIEL RICCIARDO OFFERED FORMULA ONE LIFELINE AS UNLIKELY OPTION EMERGES FOR UNDER-FIRE AUSTRALIAN AMID FEARS HE WILL BE SACKED BY RB
- Daniel Ricciardo could be offered a third F1 lifeline
- Ricciardo's place at RB is under threat
- But Williams might offer him a drive
Daniel Ricciardo could be handed a third Formula One lifeline, with reports suggesting the under-performing Australian may be offered a drive next season.
Ricciardo, 34, had hoped to make a strong pitch to return to Red Bull as Max Verstappen's teammate in 2025, after being brought in from the cold following his McLaren sacking.
However, his performances in the first half of 2024 did little to convince the powerbrokers at the Austrian team, who opted to keep the faith in current No 2, Sergio Perez.
As a result, Ricciardo's place in Red Bull's junior team, RB, is under threat, with Helmut Marko revealing that the board are eager to fill the team with younger drivers. New Zealand's Liam Lawson is expected to replace Ricciardo.
The Australian's exit from RB would signal a huge blow to his F1 aspirations, with very few options available for the 2025 season.
Yet an avenue has emerged for Ricciardo, with F1 minnows Williams reportedly looking at recruiting the Aussie should they fail in their bid to land Carlos Sainz.
American driver Logan Sargeant's seat is likely to become available next year and team principal James Vowles has openly stated his desire to sign Sainz, who will leave Ferrari at the end of the season after being replaced by Lewis Hamilton.
Yet Williams are growing frustrated by Sainz's reluctance to sign a contract, and respected F1 journalist Will Buxton says the stalemate has opened the door for Ricciardo.
'His entire future [is] on the line right now,' he said.
'There is much talk that he will be out of this seat after the summer break. There is talk that he may be in negotiations with Williams for their second seat next year alongside Alex Albon.
'Williams, as we understand, are sick of waiting for Carlos Sainz to make his mind up on where he wants to go next year and may close that door off for him.'
Read more 2024-07-04T08:55:10Z dg43tfdfdgfd