“He’s been doing a very good job for us,” Sergio Perez lauds Daniel Ricciardo’s impact at Red Bull

Perez believes Ricciardo's proven skillset makes him a valuable asset to Red Bull's driver roster

“He’s been doing a very good job for us,” Sergio Perez lauds Daniel Ricciardo’s impact at Red Bull

Daniel Ricciardo and Sergio Perez

After departing McLaren at the end of 2022, Daniel Ricciardo found himself devoid of a team availing his services on the grid for the 2023 season. Following this, he made a sensational return to his former family at Red Bull racing, in the capacity of a reserve driver. His influence has been acknowledged and praised by the likes of his colleague Sergio Perez.

Speaking to RacingNews365.com, Sergio Perez praised the talents of Ricciardo, stating, “Daniel is a great driver, and it’s always great to have these kinds of drivers available in the market.” He added, “Red Bull is in a very unique position to have him as an option for the future. He’s been doing a very good job for us”.

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Ricciardo is no doubt an asset to the team based in Milton-Keynes, as he involves himself in simulator work and commercial activities, benefitting the team wherever possible. A driver of his ability is also valuable to have as an option, in the circumstance that either Max Verstappen or Sergio Perez are unable to race. The Aussie made his presence felt at the Australian Grand Prix and was involved in the garage frequently.

Related: Daniil Kyvat found Daniel Ricciardo’s personality to be a “bit too much” for him

Daniel Ricciardo is a gifted driver and still has a lot to offer

Ricciardo via Sports Illustrated
Ricciardo via Sports Illustrated

Daniel Ricciardo, Formula One icon, is known as the ‘king of late braking’. His overtaking skills are brilliant and have displayed such in the past. His time at Red Bull was filled with exciting races, wheel-to-wheel action, and stunning wins, including a prestigious Monaco Grand Prix. He raced for the Bulls between 2014 and 2018, the most successful period of his career.

In his first year with the team, he won three races and finished third in the championship behind Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. Ricciardo continued to perform at a high level in subsequent seasons, earning a further four race victories. Additionally, Ricciardo claimed 29 podium finishes and finished third in the drivers’ championship in 2014 and 2016. He finished fifth in the drivers’ championship in 2015, 2017, and 2018, consistently displaying impressive performances on the track. Ricciardo’s achievements with Red Bull Racing cemented his status as a top-tier driver and highlighted his proficient arsenal of skills.

He departed the team in 2019 for Renault, amidst Red Bull allegedly seeking to make young Max Verstappen the youngest-ever world champion. Following his departure, poor career choices have led to a down period in the Aussie’s career. His only notable achievement is a win at Monza 2021 with McLaren, a small positive amidst a rough stint. He was eventually replaced in 2023 by F2 champion Oscar Piastri and returned to Red Bull as a reserve.

Despite being a reserve, Ricciardo still has a burning passion for competing in Formula One and is undoubtedly satisfied being a spectator. His main ambition will be to secure a seat as the soonest, as he still has a lot to offer. His future prospects could arise soon, with the likes of the aging Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. The entry of new teams in 2026 also poses an option, but it is unlikely he will be satisfied being sidelined for that long and he will evaluate his options in 2024. He will undeniably gain experience at Red Bull in his current role and apply it accordingly in the future.

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