Daniel Ricciardo has stated that he isn’t under “unreasonable pressure” from Red Bull as he insists his results will determine whether he retains his place in Formula 1.
Ricciardo goes into the remaining nine races this season with his prospects past this season unresolved as Red Bull considers what to do with its two teams in 2025.
The Australian has been viewed as the likeliest option should Red Bull choose to dismiss Sergio Perez, but he could also end up losing his seat at RB to Liam Lawson.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko asserted earlier this month that Lawson is guaranteed a seat next term, though boss Christian Horner has since dampened that claim.
Ricciardo is not concerned about Lawson lingering in the background, though, as he is adamant that he will remain on the grid as long as he is producing on the track.
“Look, I will keep kind of making it about me in the sense that if I’m performing, they won’t find a reason to do anything,” Ricciardo told media including Motorsport Week.
“And ultimately, that’s where I’ll leave it. I know if I perform, then I’m good. So if I focus on myself, then it shouldn’t affect me. And that’s what I’m focussing on.”
Ricciardo has expressed that Marko’s comments have not placed added pressure on his shoulders as his hectic schedule means that he tends to avoid hearing them.
“I think I’m probably used to it,” Ricciardo said regarding Marko’s words. “But honestly, this [the media] is a lot of the time where I hear it.
“So when you’re young, you’re always a bit more curious. So what do people think of me or say? But at some point, you realise that maybe now the weekends are getting busier.
“The sport is more busy, popular. There’s so much more being kind of said and thrown around that it’s also probably impossible just to keep up with everything.
“So, yeah, I think as well, and it’s not anything towards media or anything, but I have to focus on myself. And performance is everything.
“So it doesn’t really matter what someone is saying. What matters is what my hands and feet are doing in the cockpit and put all my energy into it.”
The eight-time race victor has also denied he has been given an ultimatum concerning his future, citing that what is documented in the media tends to be overblown.
“Honestly, it’s like I haven’t had any, let’s say, unreasonable pressure,” Ricciardo revealed.
“I haven’t had the hand on the shoulder pull me in the room and say, ‘hey, do this or else’. But look, I also know that I know what’s required.
“So maybe this tough talk doesn’t need to be had because, again, I’ve known Helmut a long time in the system. So we all know what’s required.
“But has he been putting extra pressure on me or being unreasonable or unfair in anything? No, not at all.
“So I think probably what is being put out, maybe what he says in the media or something is a bit more heightened, but I don’t feel anything additional from him.”
Meanwhile, Ricciardo is optimistic that he will be given the last nine rounds this term to stake his claim to continue with either Red Bull-backed team into next season.
Asked whether he was 100% confident that he will do all the remaining events, he replied: “Yes. I mean, look, I say yes. Do I? I’ve been in this for not long enough. Who knows?”
