Austrian media point out that Daniel Ricciardo could return to the Red Bull team next year. Although they point out, yes, that the agreement would be to be a reserve pilot behind Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. Although nothing can be ruled out after the tremendous mess that was lived in the team during the race in Brazil.
Marko Helmut, a Red Bull adviser, advanced that they were in negotiations. “We’re talking, we’re talking. I can only say that,” he insisted.
Ricciardo, for his part, also spoke of those conversations with his former team: “nothing is sealed. I have nothing to hide, I am not bound by contract and I can freely talk about everything. But there is nothing signed. As soon as there is, I will say it. I’m not holding anything back.”
After being fired from McLaren (his place will be taken by Oscar Piastri), the Australian is still looking for his place on the grid. He refused to be a starting driver at Haas and there was also talk of a possible arrival at Mercedes, although also as a substitute.
Now the Red Bull option opens, a team from which he left when he was in the shadow of Verstappen: “I have not regretted it at any time.”
“I haven’t won anything since I left Red Bull. But I’ve learned a lot since then and I think I’ve become a better driver. I needed that change. Although my results could have been better,” he admits.
2024, in a leading team?
Ricciardo has also referred to the more distant future. Specifically for the 2023 season. And he is confident: “There is absolutely no guarantee for 2024. But I think I can drive again for a top team.”
“Now I have the strong feeling that everything has an explanation. Everything in life happens for a reason,” said the man who will be a McLaren driver until next week.
Saying goodbye to the team back home at the MTC.
Thank you, @DanielRicciardo. pic.twitter.com/HX9oygckTN
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) November 16, 2022