Driving for Red Bull Racing or their sister team Visa Cash App RB in Formula 1 is a privilege that comes with a lot of pressure.
Max Verstappen has arguably the safest seat on the grid, although he may make the decision one day to leave if he thinks a faster car is available elsewhere.
READ MORE: Martin Brundle shares whether he could see Max Verstappen driving for Mercedes one day
His teammate Sergio Perez has also earned a contract for 2025 and beyond despite being way off the pace compared to his teammate recently.
At V-CARB, Yuki Tsunoda’s brilliant start to the year has earned him a fifth season with the team.
He’s currently sitting in the top ten of the Drivers’ Championship and at times has been the best of the rest behind the four leading manufacturers.
That leaves one seat in the quartet that is yet to be filled for 2025 and it appears to be a shootout between Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson.
The Australian was speaking to Channel 4 ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix about his future and the pressure being put on him by the 22-year-old.
Ricciardo has now shared what he believes he needs to do to not only avoid a midseason switch but to earn a new contract for next year and beyond.
READ MORE: Visa Cash App RB driver Daniel Ricciardo’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend
Daniel Ricciardo shares what he must do to avoid Liam Lawson replacement
Asked about the comments from Helmut Marko that Liam Lawson might be in his seat in 2025, Ricciardo said: “So my thoughts, I don’t think anything’s changed.
“I know that I can obviously produce some good stuff and I know this stuff is what Red Bull want to see at the end of the day my performance is either going to keep me in the sport or not keep me in the sport.
“So, it’s up to me I guess, just more right pedal, less left.”
Daniel Ricciardo has reportedly been given assurances that he won’t be replaced by Lawson during the summer break.
The 35-year-old’s manager has also shared what Red Bull have told him about Ricciardo’s future as he looks to close the gap to Tsunoda both on the track and in the Drivers’ Championship.
What could be next for Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson?
Liam Lawson appears to be stuck in no man’s land at the moment, sitting in the Red Bull garage every race weekend waiting for something to happen.
While his contract allows him to join another team should he not replace Daniel Ricciardo, by the time that clause comes into effect any available seats elsewhere on the grid will likely be filled.
This means that his best bet of driving in Formula 1 in 2025 is still to hope that Ricciardo is let go at the end of the year.
READ MORE: Who is Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson? Everything you need to know
Lawson impressed during his five-race stint in Ricciardo’s car last year when the Australian broke his hand at the Dutch Grand Prix.
He out-qualified Max Verstappen at the Singapore Grand Prix and came from behind Yuki Tsunoda at his home race in Japan to finish above him but just outside the points.
There is potentially another option on the grid for Lawson next year with Audi showing some interest.
However, the timing of when Red Bull might let him out of his contract – plus the movement of drivers like Carlos Sainz, Esteban Ocon and Valtteri Bottas – are all going to have an impact on his future.
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