'If I get the results, I stay in the family' – Ricciardo's F1 future 'up to me' as he offers verdict on potential Lawson promotion

Daniel Ricciardo has insisted he plans to remain part of the Red Bull family for the upcoming seasons after an up and down year season, with the Australian also admitting that junior driver Liam Lawson deserves a spot in F1.

Ricciardo has had a bumpy ride since he returned to the sport following his brief time off the grid, joining forces with Yuki Tsunoda at RB (then named AlphaTauri) from the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix onwards.

HALF TERM REPORT: RB – Can a strong start help them to keep their midfield rivals at bay?

A broken hand ruled him out of competing at Zandvoort last season, opening the door for Lawson to replace him and make his F1 debut, subsequently racing over five weekends whilst Ricciardo recovered.

The 2024 season has been somewhat smoother for the 35-year-old, having crossed the line in the top 10 on three occasions so far. Nevertheless, he has been regularly outperformed by his team mate, leaving Tsunoda with a deal for 2025 whilst Ricciardo has not yet secured a seat.

“I have every opportunity in front of me, and that’s the beauty,” he said during Thursday's media day in Zandvoort. “It’s up to me, and I know there is always pressure and there is the Red Bull system, but I know if I do the job then I will have a seat. I’ll have somewhere to race.

“I’ve been very targeted on the Red Bull family and staying here, so I haven’t allowed myself to think of other opportunities, other teams. You can say in a way it’s very narrow-minded, but it’s where I am and where I feel I want to be.

READ MORE: Verstappen dubs Red Bull his 'second family' as he picks his standout moments with the team

“I got back into the Red Bull system – I want to be here. For me, not having other distractions is nice. I can focus on what I need to do, and I know if I get the results, I stay in the family. It’s simple as that. Having more of a singular focus is a little bit easier. It’s like an all-in approach.”

Ricciardo’s best Grand Prix result this season came in Canada when he finished in eighth place – another highlight was maintaining his qualifying position in the Miami Sprint and taking P4.

His team have solidified themselves as a strong midfield outfit, sitting in sixth place with 34 points in the constructors’ standings, albeit just seven points clear of their nearest rivals Haas who are ready to close down the deficit.

With Tsunoda beating Ricciardo on eight occasions this season, as well as Sergio Perez's form at Red Bull, there has been plenty of speculation surrounding where the Australian’s future could lie in the sport – whether that's at the senior Red Bull team, continuing with RB or somewhere else.

BARRETTO: It’s Lawson vs Ricciardo for the second RB seat in 2025 – but is there a way to keep them both happy?

Lawson is one name who has frequently been linked with a spot on the F1 grid with the Red Bull family after the 22-year-old's substitute showing last year earning plenty of praise.

Ricciardo acknowledged again that the New Zealander had done a great job last year, and that it would be a "good thing" if he could step up to become a permanent member of the F1 grid.

“I saw him competing in the car when I was on the sidelines and I think he did a great job and he is worthy of a seat,” he commented. “From a place of competitive respect, I think he does deserve one, so if he is in the sport next year, I think that’s a good thing.”