Red Bull F1 star Daniel Ricciardo reveals 'mindset' battle amid future fears

Daniel Ricciardo in Zandvoort — Photo: © IMAGO

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Ricciardo reveals 'mindset' battle amid F1 future fears

Daniel Ricciardo is fighting for a spot on the 2025 grid

Kevin McKenna

Sunday 8 September 2024 21:58

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Formula 1 star Daniel Ricciardo has opened up on the importance of adopting the correct mindset as he fights for his future in the sport.

The Australian is set to be out of contract at Visa Cash App RB at the end of this season, and as things stand, has no place on the grid for 2025.

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Ricciardo returned to F1 in 2023 following a short spell away from the sport and had set his sights on securing a sensational return to Red Bull, where he previously spent five years at what many would argue was the peak of his career.

However, he has failed to live up to expectations since joining Red Bull's sister team, having been consistently outperformed by team-mate Yuki Tsunoda.

Despite his fluctuating performances, the 35-year-old was recently rumoured to be in the mix to replace Sergio Perez at the reigning constructors' champions.

However that move now appears unlikely, with Ricciardo's own seat coming under threat from reserve driver Liam Lawson.

Daniel Ricciardo was tipped as a potential replacement for Sergio Perez

Daniel Ricciardo has been consistently outperformed by RB team-mate Yuki Tsunoda

Former Red Bull star maintaining focus

With just eight races remaining of the 2024 season, time is running out for Ricciardo to score points and show team bosses across the paddock what he is capable of.

Speaking to Speedcafe.com, the eight-time race winner admitted he must remain focused if he wants to prove he is worthy of being part of the F1 landscape next year.

“It needs to be the mindset,” he said. “And if I feel like I’m softening that, then I need to kind of shake myself a little bit and make sure I’m not.

“It is still very important, but I also think I am still learning, which is great, and I think that mindset is a much better one for me.

“When there’s a bit on the line, when that pressure is a little bit higher, it in a way kind of increases that spark in me and stops me from feeling a little bit, maybe relaxed or whatever you want to say.

“These are very important races. But even if, for whatever reason, they weren’t, even if I signed a contract today, I still should be telling myself that they are because I think that’s where I operate the best for myself.”