Daniel Ricciardo, known for his charismatic personality and aggressive driving style, has had a successful career in Formula 1. He has achieved numerous podium finishes and earned a reputation as one of the sport’s most talented drivers. However, his career went downhill shortly after he left Red Bull to join Renault and then McLaren.
His last two years with McLaren were miserable. The Australian driver suffered mentally and decided to cut ties. As no seats were available, Daniel Ricciardo rejoined Red Bull as a reserve driver. He desperately needed a break and hence chose to serve as a third driver on the drink-based team. Meanwhile, Ricciardo has dropped a bombshell by hinting at retirement while opening up on his future plans.
Daniel Ricciardo Wants To End His Career At Red Bull
Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo left McLaren after a horrendous two-year stint in 2022 and rejoined Red Bull to serve as a reserve driver. His mental health went for a toss, and hence the 33-year-old chose to stay away from competitive racing. However, the driver wants to return to the grid in 2024, but only with a team competing for a championship. That being said, the chances of him landing a seat on the top three teams are very slim. Meanwhile, Ricciardo has shared his future plans and revealed his fairytale ending.
Daniel Ricciardo talked to ESPN recently and said that him ending his career at Red Bull would be a perfect fairytale ending. The Australian added that if it were for him, he would drive his last race with Red Bull. However, Ricciardo’s wishes are unlikely to come true. Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez will retain their contract. He was previously linked to Red Bull’s sister team AlphaTauri, but the team’s advisor, Helmut Marko, denied the rumors. Realistically speaking, Daniel has to explore his options. Red Bull might be his dream team, but they are not open to offering him a seat just yet. Only time will tell what the future holds for the talented Australian driver.
Former F1 Driver Shuts Down Possibility Of Ricciardo’s Fairytale Ending
Reactions are pouring in after Daniel Ricciardo expressed his desire to end his career with Red Bull. Ricciardo is a reserved driver currently with no active seat available. Jenson Button, the former McLaren driver, has cast his doubt. In an interview with ESPN, Button weighed in on the possibility of Ricciardo eating up Perez’s space. The former British driver said that Perez’s seat is not in danger for now. But things can change towards the end of the season.
Button, however, feels that even if Red Bull decided to part ways with Sergio Perez, he is not sure if Daniel Ricciardo would be the team’s first choice. Yes, Daniel enjoys a large fanbase and immense popularity, but Red Bull will think twice before offering him a seat. They have invested a lot in Perez and would not let him go easily. Hence, the Australian driver’s future in Formula One is hanging by a thread for now.
