There are rumours swirling that Daniel Ricciardo may have already raced in Formula 1 for the final time, as Red Bull is believed to be preparing an announcement regarding its second F1 team's driver lineup.
The speculation suggests that Liam Lawson could take over from Ricciardo at Faenza based RB, starting with the Singapore Grand Prix.
After the Azerbaijan GP, Dutch journalist Rick Winkelman claimed that the move is already in motion according to his sources.
"I have understood from several people that Liam Lawson will definitely drive in Singapore," Winkelman told Ziggo Sport.
"Apparently, Lawson's contract with Red Bull states that he has to drive at least five grands prix this year."
Red Bull's F1 advisor, Dr Helmut Marko, when asked about the team's plans for its drivers, said during an interview with Viaplay: "We have an idea, but we have to wait until Singapore."
"It is still September, but from Singapore, we will have a precise idea. It will be quite clear as to what will happen with the second seat," Marko explained.
Marko's mention of September is thought to be related to particular clauses in Lawson's contract with Red Bull.
Former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos also commented that it wouldn't be surprising if Lawson, 22, has been promised a minimum of five races this season.
"That is very possible," Doornbos said, "because I had exactly the same contract at Red Bull, where they obligated you to step in for a number of races."
"In my case, they had to throw Christian Klien out," Doornbos continued, referring to the final part of the 2006 season. "Otherwise, another clause would have come into effect."
Dutch commentator Olav Mol also expressed that he wouldn't be disappointed if Ricciardo's time in Formula 1 is indeed coming to an end.
"He is simply done," Mol remarked.
"Valtteri Bottas is also done, and Zhou Guanyu is also done. That's just the way it is."
