After a decade-long stint, the Australian superstar Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 career came to an end. A charming racer with an infectious smile left the paddock, Singapore being his final race. The “Honey Badger” was with the VCARB team for the past year. However, the team decided to try a new face as Liam Lawson was announced as Ricicardo’s replacement.
Thus, that put a full stop to an illustrious career filled with glory, passion, and humor. Despite the move being anticipated, it left the F1 fans shocked, as the ever-smiling Ricciardo won’t be seen steering an F1 car. However, in the latest interview, the RBR senior Helmut Marko hinted towards a potential non-racing role for Ricciardo.
Red Bull Advisor Hints Towards Daniel Ricciardo’s New Role
The Australian’s mid-season departure was recently announced after the Singapore GP. During last weekend’s race, Ricciardo was overwhelmed by emotion as the grandstand extended applause to one of the finest racers. Despite what seems like a final goodbye, Ricciardo might return to the paddock in a different role. Helmut Marko recently discussed the ongoing conversations regarding a potential collaboration with Daniel Ricciardo. He highlighted Ricciardo’s status as one of the most popular drivers in Formula 1, particularly in the United States. However, Marko noted that Ricciardo is taking his time to reflect on his future in the sport.
Marko expressed skepticism about Ricciardo pursuing opportunities in other racing categories, suggesting that the Australian may not be inclined to engage in various PR activities if he steps away from active racing. He acknowledged Ricciardo’s financial security, implying that this might play a significant role in the decision-making process for the driver. Ultimately, Marko emphasized that this is a crucial life decision for Ricciardo as he contemplates how he wants to shape his future beyond racing.
Can Daniel Ricciardo Return To F1 As A Driver?
Daniel Ricciardo has clarified his stance on his career trajectory, particularly about his previous association with Red Bull. He acknowledged that last year, it made sense for him to maintain a connection with the team while pursuing opportunities to return to the top tier of Formula 1. However, he indicated that he is not interested in restarting his career. Ricciardo’s focus seems to be on moving forward rather than revisiting past decisions, emphasizing a desire to progress rather than retrace his steps.
Thus, despite a few openings, the Australian racer will unlikely return to the racing scene. He is no longer looking for a permanent driver role, as restarting a career at his age could be demanding. Additionally, while he may be interested in exploring other racing series, such as IndyCar or endurance racing, he has yet to discuss any specific plans regarding these potential opportunities.
