Daniel Ricciardo concedes that the current season might signal the conclusion of his Formula 1 career.
Recent remarks by Alan Jones, the 1980 world champion, alongside insights from Dr Helmut Marko, Red Bull's leading consultant, and Liam Lawson, the foremost candidate for Ricciardo's spot, underscore the possibility that the 34-year-old Aussie might face difficulties maintaining his position within the RB junior team given his current performance level.
In response to queries regarding his contract during a Melbourne interview with local broadcaster Nine, Ricciardo stated: "I'm definitely not looking beyond this year."
With the backing of Christian Horner, the now troubled team principal of Red Bull, Ricciardo was re-integrated into the motor racing giant's F1 roster last year, potentially setting the stage for a reunion with Max Verstappen in the primary team.
Yet, facing challenges once more, reminiscent of his lackluster stint with McLaren in 2022 that precipitated his early exit, Ricciardo expressed on Thursday: "The way the last year or two have been for me, I just take it race week after race week.
"That's professionally how I'm going about it now and living. I'm not really thinking about 'Oh, if I get this result, then maybe it means that'.
"I'm just trying to approach every weekend kind of like I did ten years ago - with a little bit of a point to prove to myself more than anything. A little bit of a chip on my shoulder.
"And if it is my last year, then fricking make sure I make it a good one. Not in a reckless way, but I've got not that much to lose in terms of I nearly lost a seat 18 months ago permanently."
