Is the end near for Daniel Ricciardo? As Ricciardo’s future in F1 seems more bleak than ever, recent revelations have clarified one thing –  the Honey Badger has very little time left in the sport. For those hoping to see the Aussie in VCARB next season, the news isn’t great. Since his 2023 comeback, Ricciardo has faced many mishaps: a broken wrist last year and poor form this season. His subpar performance has made fans doubt his ability as an F1 driver. And that’s not all.

His dream to return to Red Bull is also at risk; rather impossible. Repeated warnings from Helmut Marko on his replacement haven’t turned the tables either. Marko told the Austrian publication Kleine Zeitung that the senior officials want Liam Lawson. “The shareholders have made it clear that it is a junior team and we have to act accordingly,” he said. But the clear implications came after he said: “We will have to put a young driver in there soon. That would be Liam Lawson.” Ricciardo is heading for the Styrian GP facing the prospect of this being his last race under the Red Bull banner.

Now, adding more speculations on Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 future; senior journalist and F1 pundit Joe Saward leaked information on Ricciardo counting his final days on F1. Taking to his X handle, Saward revealed, “So, Lawson will be in for Ricciardo at some point. I’d guess the end of July…” If his words are true, then unfortunately, this could mean the end of Daniel Ricciardo at VCARB, Red Bull, and also maybe in F1 as well.

A few questions remain unanswered. First: Will the parent team Red Bull oust Ricciardo, just like they did with Nyck de Vries last season? Second: Is this the end of Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 journey? and lastly, should Daniel Ricciardo consider retirement?

Daniel Ricciardo’s unfulfilled dream to return to Red Bull amidst replacement rumors

“The goal was that [Ricciardo] would be considered for Red Bull Racing with exceptional performances. That seat now belongs to Sergio Perez, so that plan is no longer valid,” Helmut Marko told the Austrian publication. Ricciardo has missed several opportunities to prove himself to the RB official since his comeback. And this is costing him his career. However, no official announcements are made so it’ll be too early to predict. But as it seems, Ricciardo must let go of his dream to go back to the Milton Keynes outfit. With Sergio Perez’s extended contract, the 34-year-old finds the doors shut.

Only a few seats remain unfilled for the 2025 Formula 1 season, leaving Ricciardo and several top drivers job-hunting. And if Ricciardo receives no contracts from any other teams then it will not be too harsh to say; it’s game over. It’s easy to practically understand why this tough assumption is made here. The main reason is Daniel Ricciardo’s poor form. He has failed to outqualify his teammate, except in Montreal. And not everyone can do what Fernando Alonso or Lewis Hamilton are doing at this age. Most notably, Red Bull favors giving opportunities to young drivers with fresh energy. What lies ahead for Ricciardo is unknown.

If Joe Saward’s information is accurate then there is trouble for the Aussie. Despite his desire to return to Red Bull, his poor performance, injuries, and the team’s preference for younger drivers like Liam Lawson have put him in a precarious position. Unless he secures a contract with another team, Ricciardo’s F1 career might end soon. The upcoming races will determine if he can turn his fortunes around or if he should consider retirement. What are your thoughts on Daniel Ricciardo’s alleged replacement? Let us know in the comments.