“I want to be back with a top team” Daniel Ricciardo makes a bold statement on his F1 comeback
Daniel Ricciardo is an eight-time Formula 1 GP winner.
Daniel Ricciardo. Image via F1.
Daniel Ricciardo, the former McLaren driver, has revealed his plans for Formula 1. He is Red Bull’s third driver and has no seat on the grid. He has other duties like testing, commercial activity, and simulator work. However, this does not rule out his comeback next season. The cheery personality of Formula 1 has revealed that “signs are pointing towards getting back on the grid.” This is a piece of good news for his fans.
Ricciardo is an eight-time F1 Grand Prix winner. The Australian left McLaren last season after a long period of struggle to find performance. Red Bull jumped at this chance and announced him as their third driver. The 33-year-old wanted to take a year off from full-time racing to reflect on his life. Daniel Ricciardo is attending his first race of the 2023 season, the Australian Grand Prix. It is his home race, and he is the most beloved driver here.
Ricciardo spoke to The Athletic and other media outlets while fulfilling his duties in Albert Park. “The signs are pointing towards getting back on the grid. I feel like that’s currently where I’m tracking, at least in my head. … I’ve even put myself in scenarios now where I’m like, if I got back on the grid tomorrow, what would I do differently? You just don’t have the chance when you’re in it. But I also think that everything happens for a reason.”
Daniel Ricciardo further stated, “I want to be back with a top team, and a team where I have that confidence back and my mojo. To go back and to maybe put me in any seat that’s fighting at best for like a top 10, I don’t think it’s going to bring the best out of me. I see myself, at least in my head, wanting to be back on the grid. But there are still some terms and conditions, so to speak. It’s not at all costs.”
Related: Christian Horner surprised by FIA’s ban on the “iconic” pitwall celebrations
Daniel Ricciardo wants to join a team that will bring out the best in him
The Australian has clarified that he wants to return to the grid, but he will consult with his team and discuss his possible return. There are not many options for Ricciardo. Red Bull has both their drivers, Verstappen and Perez, under contract. While Mercedes does not have a contract with Lewis Hamilton for next season, they will most likely renew it in the upcoming months.
Ricciardo is happy with where he is at the moment. He can step back and watch everything from a different perspective. The “honey badger” firmly believes he will be a better version of himself. A more mature, experienced, and complete version if he gets back on the grid. Ricciardo, undoubtedly one of the most talented drivers in F1, will let nature take its course. After all, he strongly believes that everything happens for a reason.
In case you missed it:
- Christian Horner urges Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez to prioritise the team over their personal objectives.
- “We could have 32 races,” Stefano Domenicali makes startling statements on expanding the F1 calendar
Sugantha Meena
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