On the finish of 2024, there was hypothesis that Daniel Ricciardo would exchange Sergio Pérez at Pink Bull in 2025. Ricciardo had expressed his need to return to the group he left in 2018, however his efficiency with AlphaTauri, now Pink Bull, was not spectacular. Pérez secured a contract extension by 2026, ending Ricciardo’s hopes of transferring up. Ricciardo acknowledged that he wanted to do higher to safe a high seat in Components One.
Jacques Villeneuve, a former F1 world champion, criticized Ricciardo for his poor efficiency and steered that his picture, quite than his outcomes, saved him within the sport. Ricciardo admitted that he wanted to enhance and discover extra efficiency in himself. Following Villeneuve’s feedback, Ricciardo had a robust qualifying session in Montreal, putting fifth on the grid, simply two-tenths off pole place. This efficiency was timed completely, coming after Pérez’s contract extension was introduced.
Ricciardo’s sturdy qualifying session in Montreal was seen as a major enchancment and a direct response to Villeneuve’s criticism. Ricciardo had made a aware effort to grasp why he was struggling, in search of suggestions from his group and inside circle. Regardless of ranging from the again because of a leap begin penalty, Ricciardo completed in eighth place, incomes useful factors. This marked his first points-scoring race of the season and a step in the best course.
The Canadian Grand Prix weekend was a constructive one for Ricciardo, with each session from observe to the race displaying enchancment. Ricciardo was happy together with his efficiency and hoped to proceed the momentum. He acknowledged that he wanted to take care of the depth and vitality he had dropped at the Montreal weekend. With time on his aspect, Ricciardo goals to show himself to Pink Bull and safe an extension with the group, with reserve driver Liam Lawson ready within the wings.
Ricciardo mirrored on the necessity to preserve pushing and preserve a aggressive edge. He admitted that he wanted to faucet right into a sure degree of depth, whether or not or not it’s anger or heightened testosterone, to carry out at his finest. Ricciardo’s aim is to construct on the success of the Montreal weekend and proceed to point out his capabilities as a high driver in Components One. The problem now lies in replicating his efficiency constantly and proving that he deserves a spot within the elite ranks of the game.