Daniel Ricciardo, the Australian driver, has rejected the idea that speculation about his possible move to Red Bull in 2025 has affected his performance at the beginning of this season. Last year, Ricciardo had another chance in Formula 1 with Red Bull’s sister team, then known as AlphaTauri, after Nyck de Vries was removed from the team after just 10 races. Despite expressing his desire to return to the Red Bull seat he left in 2018, Ricciardo has faced difficulties in the early stages of the current season. Racing alongside Yuki Tsunoda in the revamped RB team, Ricciardo has struggled to keep up with his teammate in the first two races and qualified half a second behind in Jeddah. As a result, Ricciardo has faced criticism, with Marko stating that he needs to improve soon to keep up with Tsunoda. However, Ricciardo remains firm in his belief that such comments do not affect him, as he is his own harshest critic and acknowledges that his performance this season has fallen short of expectations. When asked about the media’s reaction to these comments, Ricciardo stated that it does not bother him and that, while driving is the most important aspect, interacting with the media is also a significant part of the sport. He recognizes that when things are going well, there are positive conversations, but when they are not, the conversation is less positive. Ricciardo further emphasized that his motivation to succeed comes from within, as he believes in his abilities and feels he belongs in Formula 1. He does not feel the need to prove anything to others or please anyone other than himself. Ricciardo also expressed his desire to make his supporters proud and stated that he is already aware of any criticisms or expectations imposed on him.
He stated: “Certainly, my goal is to qualify for Q3. I want to achieve these results that I believe are within my reach. However, the competition is tough. We find ourselves in a highly competitive midfield.
“And, just like in Bahrain, in qualifying, I knew I didn’t execute the lap as well as I should have. I take responsibility for that. And that’s the difference. That’s what separates a P14 position from reaching Q3.
“I think at the end of Q1 in Saudi Arabia, the difference between P9 and P16 was less than a tenth of a second. So, someone can easily go from hero to non-hero. And that’s where every fraction of a second matters. And that’s where I look at myself first.”
With Ricciardo being touted as the favorite to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull in 2025, the Red Bull driver acknowledged that he is aware of the potential opportunities.
However, the former McLaren driver denied that such reports have distracted him and emphasized that his immediate focus is on delivering short-term results during his second stint in F1.
“I don’t believe any of the stories,” Ricciardo said about his name being linked to discussions at Red Bull. “I am fully aware of my position within the team.
“I am aware of certain possibilities that may arise if I perform exceptionally well. But it’s all just… It’s like everything you know.
“I think with any team you are a part of, you know that if you have a great season, it can lead to something different or elevate your current position.
“I think our goal is always to give our best. And I think whatever happens, will happen or could happen. But for me, my goal is to drive this car to the best of my abilities.
“Now that I’m back in a car, I’m not looking too far ahead. So, am I thinking about the Red Bull seat you mentioned? No.”
“I know that if I achieve excellent results, perhaps this opportunity may present itself. It’s not something I dwell on, because, as you mentioned, 12 months ago I wasn’t in this position. I didn’t know if I would return to this position. So, I think I take it one weekend at a time. There will always be rumors circulating.
“But I know my role and what I need to do. And I think the more I get involved… Well, that also comes with experience. But the more you get involved in these things, the more it distracts from my job, which is to drive as fast as possible.
“I know we have many other responsibilities during a race weekend, but ultimately, we are here to push the car to the limit and strive to make it the best it can be.
“So, this weekend, I’m looking forward to being here and racing at home. However, as you mentioned, the first two races were not exceptional. But I’m not worried. It’s only two races out of 24, and there are many new people in the team. It’s still early, but I definitely want to have a strong weekend and perform well.”
Ricciardo will have the opportunity to kick off his campaign at home this weekend at the Australian Grand Prix, an event he did not compete in last season.
The winner of eight Grand Prix races recalls how attending the event as a Red Bull reserve driver reignited his desire to return to a full-time F1 seat.
“I mean, I remember being on the pit wall here. It was my first race as a spectator, and as I watched the cars coming out of the garage, there was definitely a feeling of envy,” he said.
“I already knew I wanted to do this again. But it was here that I felt it most intensely. And from that moment on, every race I attended, I was ready.”
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The football star Cristiano Ronaldo surprised everyone today with a bombshell statement. In an exclusive interview for The Sun newspaper, Ronaldo revealed that he is considering the possibility of retiring from football next year.
The 38-year-old player, who currently plays for Manchester United, said he is thinking about ending his career at the end of the season. Ronaldo stated that he feels it is the right time to take a step back and spend more time with his family.
“I love football, but I also love my family. I feel like I have achieved everything I could in the sport and now I want to dedicate more time to my wife and children,” said Ronaldo.
The news shocked football fans around the world, who did not expect to hear about the player’s possible retirement so soon. Ronaldo is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, having won numerous titles and awards throughout his career.
Despite considering retirement, Ronaldo made it clear that he still has a lot to offer on the field. He intends to give his all this season and help Manchester United win titles.
“I want to finish my career in style. I still have a lot of passion for the game and I want to do my best to help my team win,” Ronaldo said.
The final decision on Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement has not been made yet. The player said he will discuss the matter with his family and make a decision in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s fans eagerly await to see what the future holds for the football star. Will we see another brilliant season from Ronaldo before his possible retirement? Only time will tell.
