Daniel Ricciardo's position in Formula 1 might be hanging by a thread, fueled by current speculations suggesting he may not even last the entire 2024 season.
Last week, as the 34-year-old Australian was heading to Montreal, Red Bull F1 consultant Dr. Helmut Marko highlighted Yuki Tsunoda's superior performance this year, which led to Tsunoda's re-signing with the junior team RB for 2024.
Additionally, Marko revealed that Liam Lawson and other Red Bull-supported juniors are contenders to be Tsunoda's future teammate.
Meanwhile, Christian Horner, the team boss at Red Bull Racing, who once was eager to have Ricciardo return to the senior team alongside Max Verstappen, recently stated that the eight-time grand prix winner must "work hard to retain" his position within RB.
During this period, Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 world champion, openly criticized Ricciardo's role in the sport, insinuating that he has been coasting on his "image" for the last few years.
"Daniel Ricciardo had a good weekend," Dr. Marko commented to Speed Week. "Who knows, maybe he was spurred on a little by Jacques Villeneuve's criticism."
Rumors are now circulating that Red Bull reserve Liam Lawson might take over Ricciardo's seat after this season's summer break, which is only five races away.
"Both Racing Bulls drivers were on the ball in Canada," Marko added, "and it must continue like this."
