Daniel Ricciardo admitted he thought there was a possibility he could replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull for the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season. (More Motorsport News)
Before the mid-season break, there was a lot of speculation over the Mexican's future after a difficult first half of the campaign despite him recently signing a twꦦo-year contract.
After four podium finishes across ☂the first five races, Perez failed to finish above fourth across the next nine.
During the break, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner released a statemenꦅ🔯t to confirm Perez would continue alongside Max Verstappen from this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix.
Ricciardo, who races for RB, was one of the names linked with Perez's seat if he w♒as let go, and he says he would not have turned down the move if it was a possibility.
"I didn't rule it out," he said. "I thought m♊aybe something could happen, but I also didn't expect it or get my hopes up.
"I was aware 'maybe something changes', but I just thought: 'Do what I'm doing and if I get ꦍa call, I get a call.' I didn't get a call, but that's what I mentally prepared myself for."
Ricciardo's contract is up at the end of the year, and with Liam La🌟wson "certain" of being in one of the Red Bull or RB cars next year, according to team advisor Helmut Marko, the Australian&n𓄧bsp;could find himself without a seat in 2025.
Lawson has been on the 🌳sidelines as a reserve driver so far this season, though impressed when🌃 he filled in for Ricciardo for five race weekends last year.
The 35-year-old believes Lawson deserves his place on the team next ꦫyear, but is relaxe🐷d about his own future, which is still up in the air.
"I have every opportunity in front of me and that's the beauty, it's up to me," Ricciard❀o told Sky Sports F1. "Yes, there is always pressure from myself and that of the Red Bull system, but I know if I do a job, I will have a seat and somewhere to race.
"I got to see Liam driveꩲ the car last year and I think he did a great job and is worthy of a seat on the grid," ☂said Ricciardo.
"In a way, I'm happy for him.༺ If he's guaranteed a seat on the grid next year, that's good because he is a deserving driver.
"What that me𒅌🐎ans for me is probably a bit unknown, but if I perform, they will find a spot for me somewhere!"
