The Singapore Grand Prix this weekend might truly be Daniel Ricciardo's last race in Formula 1.
Rumours that have persisted all season are now taking shape, with several reports indicating that Red Bull has exercised the expiring 2025 option in Liam Lawson's current contract.
This option, which is said to expire at the end of September, seems to guarantee the 22-year-old New Zealand rookie at least five races during the 2024 season.
"It was probably part of the contract," remarked former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher to Sky Deutschland, "otherwise they would have lost Lawson."
When questioned about the lineup for Red Bull's junior team RB, top F1 advisor Dr. Helmut Marko said to Viaplay at Baku last weekend, "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."
Schumacher thinks that Red Bull will use the Singapore Grand Prix to announce that Lawson will not only take over Ricciardo's seat for 2025 but will also start racing in the Australian driver's seat from the Austin race onwards.
"It has not yet been officially confirmed, but unfortunately it seems to be Daniel Ricciardo's last race in Singapore and from then on Liam Lawson will drive," Schumacher stated.
"RB is a junior team, that's what the management has always said and supported – 'We will rely on young drivers'. And that's why it makes sense," Schumacher added.
"It is of course a great pity for Daniel, because we will be missing a driver who is super likeable and a pleasure to meet when you see him in the paddock."
As for Ricciardo, in an interview with CNN this week, the 35-year-old sounded prepared for the possibility that his time in Formula 1 may be drawing to a close.
"If it ended today, I would be proud of what I've done," said the 8-time grand prix winner.
"But on the same note, you're never fully satisfied because the reason I got into Formula 1 was to try to become world champion. That's something I'll obviously still try and achieve until the day I retire."
