Daniel Ricciardo has just one chance left to save his career at Red Bull after the F1 giants guaranteed a young Kiwi one of the few drives left on offer for 2025.

New Zealander Liam Lawson is set to join the 2025 Formula 1 grid, according to Red Bull motorsport adviser Helmut Marko, piling enormous pressure on Ricciardo and Sergio Pérez to save their careers.

And the timing couldn’t be worse for the Aussie, who had been holding onto hope of replacing Pérez – who is in a career freefall – only for the Mexican to be spared the axe for the rest of the 2024 season.

As Formula 1 resumes its season, the 35-year-old Ricciardo has accepted that returning to Red Bull’s top driver lineup alongside Max Verstappen might not happen.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner confirmed over the summer break that Pérez would remain Verstappen’s teammate for the Dutch Grand Prix, despite a series of poor performances dropping him to seventh in the standings.

Speculation has surrounded Lawson’s contract, suggesting it includes a clause allowing him to join another team if Red Bull doesn’t secure his full-time position by September.

The future Audi team, currently Sauber, was rumored to be interested in the talented New Zealander.

However, Marko dismissed the idea of Lawson leaving Red Bull’s grasp, stating, ‘Next year he will definitely be driving one of our cars.’

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Aussie Daniel Ricciardo’s chances of returning to the main Red Bull team are growing slimmer by the day

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Ricciardo could be locked in a four-race battle with the out-of-form Sergio Pérez to save his career

Marko’s statement left uncertainty about which Red Bull team Lawson would join, RB or the main team, increasing the tension on Pérez and Ricciardo as they face a pivotal four-race period.

This announcement came earlier than expected, as Marko had hinted that a decision would be made by September.

Pérez has been under immense pressure due to underwhelming performances since May’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Despite possessing the powerful Red Bull car, Pérez has faced four Q1 eliminations.

News of Pérez’s survival at Red Bull surprised many, including Ricciardo.

‘I didn’t rule it out [replacing Pérez],’ he said.

‘I thought maybe something could happen but I also didn’t expect it or get my hopes up.’

With no contract for next year, Ricciardo is still focused on returning to Red Bull.

New Zealand driver Liam Lawson has been assured of a drive with either RB or Red Bull

Helmut Marko’s assurance that Lawson will drive for Red Bull or its sister team next year raises the possibility that one of Pérez, Ricciardo, or Yuki Tsunoda might lose their seat.

Ricciardo told Sky Sports F1, ‘I have every opportunity in front of me, and that’s the beauty, it’s up to me.’

Despite the pressure, Ricciardo remains optimistic about securing a seat.

If Pérez continues his current performance trajectory, Red Bull could lose its constructors championship lead to McLaren by September’s end.

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Helmut Marko wants to give Pérez the rest of the season to try and find confidence with the constructor’s championship on the line

Despite expectations of his dismissal, Red Bull decided to retain Pérez for at least four more rounds, hoping to restore his confidence.

‘If Checo consistently brings his normal speed, we are happy,’ Marko said.

Ricciardo is looking to build on his recent form improvements, which secured him a seat until the season’s end.

Ricciardo’s 2024 campaign began with struggles against teammate Yuki Tsunoda but has seen a turnaround since the Canadian Grand Prix.

‘I have every opportunity in front of me, and that’s the beauty,’ Ricciardo said.

‘It’s up to me. I know if I do the job, then I will have a seat. I’ll have somewhere to race.’