Daniel Ricciardo returning to F1 in 2024? “I don’t feel completely finished”

Was the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix a farewell or a simple goodbye for Daniel Ricciardo ? The Australian experienced his last race with McLaren on the Yas Marina circuit at the end of November and now finds himself without a seat for 2023, following the termination of contract with the British team. Since then, the ex-Red Bull driver has returned to the fold, signing for the role of 3rd driver at Milton Keynes. A temporary situation while waiting for a better opportunity, just to stay in the paddocks and not be forgotten.

Ricciardo has “this flame again”

For the podcast Beyond the Grid, Daniel Ricciardo spoke about his new role at Red Bull and his expectations in the years to come. Asked about the possibility of a starting place with his former team, the Australian confided that a promotion in the medium term is not on the agenda. “Nothing is written. They are not going to tell me: 'Okay, if you do really well on the simulator, we'll promote you to a seat.'. But I think that with time I will find my real answer, if that is my desire to return to the grid in 2024.”

Coming out of two laborious years with McLaren, not to say catastrophic despite a surprise victory at Monza in 2021, Daniel Ricciardo nevertheless affirms that he still has this love for the Formula 1. “Today I don’t feel completely finished. I think I'll want to get back on the grid, but time will tell, philosopher the eight-time Grand Prix winner. It's my decision if I want to be back. There's definitely still that flame, and that's why I haven't chosen to walk away completely, because I want to see what happens to that flame, if it stays dormant or if it comes back with a vengeance. »

“I don’t think Abu Dhabi was my last race”

Far from the tributes paid to Sebastian Vettel at Yas Marina, Daniel Ricciardo stayed behind for what he considered a simple goodbye. “In Abu Dhabi I felt a little more emotion, but I would be lying if I said I felt like Seb [Vettel] that weekend, admits the Australian driver. I don't really believe this is my last race. But, of course, there was an element where I was like : 'Maybe it is', so let's try to enjoy it and absorb it all. »

While waiting to meet Daniel Ricciardo at the start of a Grand Prix, the “Honey Badger” will be Red Bull’s ambassador in 2023 with several demonstrations planned for next year. In the shadow of Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez, the Aussie will have to be patient…

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