Daniel Ricciardo is offered a lifeline in Formula One as an unlikely option emerges for the under-pressure Australian amid fears he could be axed by RB

Daniel Ricciardo could be handed a third lifeline in Formula One, with reports suggesting the underperforming Australian could be offered a seat next season.

Ricciardo, 34, had hoped to make a strong showing in order to return to Red Bull as Max Verstappen’s teammate in 2025, having been brought in following his sacking from McLaren.

However, his performances in the first half of 2024 did not convince the Austrian powerhouses, who chose to keep faith with current number 2 Sergio Pérez.

As a result, Ricciardo’s place at Red Bull’s junior team RB is in jeopardy, with Helmut Marko revealing that the board are keen to fill the team with younger drivers. New Zealander Liam Lawson is expected to replace Ricciardo.

The Australian’s departure from RB would be a major blow to his F1 aspirations, with very few options available for the 2025 season.

However, a route has emerged for Ricciardo, with smaller F1 team Williams reportedly considering recruiting the Australian if their bid to sign Carlos Sainz fails.

American driver Logan Sargeant’s seat is likely to become available next year and team principal James Vowles has openly stated his desire to sign Sainz, who will leave Ferrari at the end of the season after being replaced by Lewis Hamilton.

However, Williams are growing increasingly frustrated by Sainz’s reluctance to sign a contract, and respected F1 journalist Will Buxton says the standoff has opened the door for Ricciardo.

“Their entire future is at stake right now,” he said.

‘There is a lot of talk that he will leave this position after the summer break. There is talk that he could be negotiating with Williams to take his second place next year alongside Alex Albon.

‘Williams, as we understand it, is fed up with waiting for Carlos Sainz to decide where he wants to go next year and may close that door on him.’