Redbull’s reserve driver for the 2023 season, Daniel Ricciardo, has expressed the desire to return to competitive racing in the 2024 season.
Daniel Ricciardo, an eight-time race winner in Formula One, shook the world when he announced his decision to take a year off in 2023. The driver terminated his existing contract with McLaren after a two-year horror stint. Further, Daniel rejoined Redbull Racing as their third and reserve driver after Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
Ricciardo had an impressive career stint with Rebull a few years ago. However, his move to join Renault and then McLaren hasn’t proved to be one of the best decisions. His form dropped, and he struggled at the back of the grid. Moreover, the constant pressure from his teammate at McLaren, Lando Norris, got the better of the 33-year-old, and he decided to part ways with them. While he has stayed away from the limelight for some time now, Daniel recently made an appearance at the Australian Grand Prix and spoke in length about his future in Formula One.
Daniel Ricciardo Pumped To Get Back On The Grid In 2024
Redbull’s reserve driver, Daniel Ricciardo, made his first paddock appearance of 2023 during the recently concluded Australian Grand Prix, which also happens to be his home race. The Australian sat on the pit wall throughout the race and gazed at Max and Serigo cruising on the track. After the race, he was up for a chat with the reporters and shared his future plans. Daniel said that he definitely intends to be back in competitive racing next year. However, he is not desperate and wants to sit in a car fighting for the ultimate title at the front of the grid.
Daniel Ricciardo says he has a competitive mindset and does not want to linger at the back of the grid, struggling to break into the top 10. Hence, if he were to make a return in 2024, he would only drive a car that belongs to the front and is fighting for the championship. However, the dream looks far-fetched for the Australian native. The top three teams on the paddock, Redbull, Mercedes, and Ferrari, are unlikely to have an empty seat in 2024. Moreover, even if a seat is available, Ricciardo is behind his former teammate Lando Norris in the queue to fill the spot. Hence, the only way the 33-year-old can return in 2024 is by signing with a team in the middle of the grid, hoping for a turnaround like Aston Martin.
Ricciardo Enjoying His “Me” Time Off The Track
Amid uncertainties, the Australian driver is enjoying his time off the circuit. The past few years have clearly been hard on Daniel Ricciardo and messed with his head a little bit. Hence, he has become his own boss now and taken back control of his life. Speaking on his experience, Daniel said he is getting everything he hoped for. He wanted to take some downtime to focus on himself, and so far, it’s been good.
However, the race driver understands that he needs to be the best version of himself to stay in contention for the 2024 season. Hence, even during the off-time, he is working physically, training and assisting the team, Rebull, whenever necessary. Ultimately, only time will reveal what the future holds for the Australian driver in Formula One.
