The brutal media whirlwind this week has surrounded Australian Formula One driver, Daniel Ricciardo (35).
Whilst the F1 veteran has shown strong performances against his Visa CashApp RB teammate during the second half of the 2024 season, it seems as though that isn’t enough to keep the honey badger on the grid.
Ricciardo took to the media pen last night after the race, a race where he was awarded Drive Of The Day and took a crucial fastest lap point away from current driver’s championship contender, Lando Norris (24), aiding current 3-time reigning champion Max Verstappen (26).
An emotional interview saw Ricciardo hold back tears, minimal words with an exhausted smile and body language that said it all for the 8-time Grand Prix winner.
Even with the harshest of critiques on sister team Oracle Red Bull Racing’s Sergio Perez (34), it seems as though this is the end of the road ahead of a four-week break prior to Austin’s Grand Prix on the 18th of October 2024.
Just a mere two weeks ago, it was Checo under the scrutiny and assumed to be dropped; but with alleged rumouring on social media of the FIA getting involved to favour ticket sales for the Mexican Grand Prix, it seems the inaction of performance stays inconclusive.
Perez has struggled with the car this season, issues arising very early on. These issues are now allegedly affecting Verstappen as well, enhancing the excitement for the driver’s championship battle.
Liam Lawson (22) has been rumoured to take his neighbour-countrymen’s seat effective after the Singapore Grand Prix, leading to uproar from fans and other drivers.
While Lawson performed exceptionally well during Ricciardo’s injury in 2023, often outperforming Yuki Tsuonda (24), the pressure and expectation on the New Zealander will be immense to come in with 6 races remaining for the season.
Formula One is cutthroat, high-pressure, and incredibly emotionless when it comes to decision making and driver performance.
This isn’t the first mid-season cull we’ve heard spinning through the paddock; American driver, Logan Sargeant (23) was dropped after the Dutch Grand Prix where he had a major incident causing huge damages and financial stress for Williams Racing.
Granted with everything happening, Ricciardo has aided ex-teammate Verstappen an incredibly important boost for the championship fight, arguably more than current teammate Perez has offered for both championship titles this season.
McLaren F1 Team already hold the points for the constructors championship, leading for the first time in ten years; it raises questions regarding the latest decision-making across the paddock.
Over the last week as tensions heightened, many drivers commented on Ricciardo’s fate, positive comments showered over the Australian, showcasing he really is one of the most adored drivers on the grid.
Time will tell as fans eagerly wait an announcement from Ricciardo or Visa CashApp RB, confirming or surprising the fanbase for the remainder of the season.
Until next time,
Tayla Talks
Tayla Talks 
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