“He’s certainly got the personality” – ESPN considers inviting Daniel Ricciardo for broadcasting role in 2023

Daniel Ricciardo could be seen on ESPN as an F1 broadcaster

Daniel Ricciardo is currently out of an F1 drive for 2023 after the 33-year-old agreed to leave McLaren at the end of the 2022 season. The Australian has had a struggling last two seasons as he failed to match his teammate Lando Norris regularly. With only one outlying result being the 2021 Italian Grand Prix victory – the only remarkable achievement since Ricciardo left Red Bull at the end of 2018 for Renault and subsequently moving to Mclaren in 2021.

The Honey Badger is the fan favorite, and his personality makes him one of the most likeable drivers on the F1 grid. Yet his results have not been up to the mark, with McLaren signing rookie Oscar Piastri to replace the Aussie driver. Ricciardo publicly stated his aim of staying in the sport the following season but the 8-time Grand Prix winner has failed to get an ideal seat on the grid.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ehu5dHVdVR4

With only the Haas F1 seat available for Danny Ric, the Aussie publicly confirmed his lack of interest in racing for a backmarker. Thus this only left Daniel a potential reserve driver role at Mercedes or his old team Red Bull. Rumors suggest the Australian may sign up for the latter. Despite such rumors, however, broadcasting giant ESPN has reportedly stated their interest in having the 33-year-old in their broadcasting team next year.

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Why Daniel Ricciardo is suited for this role

Daniel Ricciardo does not shy away from expressing his love for the US

ESPN’s president of programming and original content Burke Magnus spoke to Racer, talking about Ricciardo’s popularity in the United States would help the network’s F1 reach. Magnus also mentioned the lack of concreteness for now stating, “So nothing specific there, but I don’t think it’s a stretch. I have no idea what he’s interested in doing honestly, but he’s certainly got the personality for our line of work, I would say.”

Reportedly ESPN looks to have Ricciardo onboard to provide an alternate show for Formula 1 in order to cater for the more casual fans of the sport, similar to ESPN’s coverage of the NFL. The company has already done a show with Daniel before, highlighting the Aussie’s love for the Buffalo Bills. Magnus stated the need for a more American-centric F1 broadcast while acknowledging the Sky F1 feed and admitted that ESPN will be sticking with it.

It certainly would be interesting to see Daniel Ricciardo as a presenter especially when given the American flair. Danny Ric’s recent entry to the paddock on a horse was just one of the reasons why every f1 fan seems to love him, making him the best choice for ESPN. His fanbase in the US is massive which ESPN would be looking to capitalize along with ‘The Honey Bagder’s’ charming personality. Though it remains to be seen whether the 33-year-old is interested to be part of a broadcasting show about the sport he wants to remain a part of.