Rumors have intensified ahead of the Singapore weekend that Red Bull’s junior driver Liam Lawson could take Daniel Ricciardo’s place after the Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen has a valid contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028 and Yuki Tsunoda has signed a one-year contract extension with RB earlier this year. That leaves Ricciardo, Lawson, and Sergio Perez in a fight for the remaining two seats. However, Ricciardo, an eight-time F1 race winner, appears to be the one facing the greatest pressure.

With the situation shaping that way, the move could mark the end of Ricciardo's Formula 1 career, as he is not considered a top contender for the last available seat at Stake/Audi, and replacing Sergio Perez by him in Red Bull is not very likely as well.

Speaking to Sky Germany, Ralf Schumacher, brother of seven-time F1 world champion Michael Schumacher, stated that Ricciardo might actually get replaced before the season ends.

"Unfortunately, it looks like Singapore will be Daniel Ricciardo's last race for now. After that, Liam Lawson will drive. That was probably in his contract because otherwise, they [Red Bull] would lose Lawson," said Schumacher.

"VCARB is a junior team. That's what its management has always said and encouraged, 'We rely on young drivers, on drivers coming from us'. And that's why it makes sense."

Daniel Ricciardo himself addressed the speculations.

"I don't think so, but I also don't want to stand here and be the lawyer," quote RacingNews365 the Australian driver,

"I would say no [it won't be my last race], but we also know how this sport works and people have not seen through a season before so it is nothing new.

"But I don't want to be like: 'Oh, 100% I'll bet my house on it’, I've been around too long.

"I really don't know what is going to happen, but what is crazy about this sport, and this is me talking a bit of shit now, but if I go and get a podium this weekend, then I am probably the hottest thing in the sport. 

"That is the merry-go-round we are on, and I know it can just change so quickly. I am aware of things hotting up but I just have to try and get my head down this weekend and kick some arse," Ricciardo added.

RB will use a special denim-themed livery for this race weekend, featuring racing suits with the same design for their drivers, who hope to score some points under the lights in Singapore.