As Daniel Ricciardo watches on from the sidelines throughout the 2023 Method 1 season, the Australian is trying to earn a full-time seat for 2024.
After mutually agreeing to half methods with McLaren throughout the center of the 2022 Method 1 season for 2023, Daniel Ricciardo acquired a large payout of $18 million.
Sadly, he was not capable of signal on as a full-time driver with one other workforce. However Ricciardo went again to Crimson Bull as a 3rd driver, the place the place his profession took off.
Crimson Bull is not going to be giving the Australian the prospect to drive at any observe classes this yr. However his predominant duties shall be on the simulator to supply information for the workforce, and he additionally plans to take part in some tire checks. The workforce are comfortable to have him again, as his expertise and pedigree are seen as a lift.
Regardless of observe time being held to a naked minimal this season, can Daniel Ricciardo make his approach again into Method 1?
Properly, after his departure from Crimson Bull in 2018, he didn’t have the perfect of experiences with Renault and McLaren, spending two years at every. Ricciardo’s struggles on the observe led to subpar performances and had been less than the requirements set forth by the groups.
A yr away from the fixed pressures he was going through might do him some good. Throughout his ultimate season with McLaren, Ricciardo was going through some off-the-track points which affected his efficiency on the observe.
His psychological well being took successful, and he admitted that the his two years within the sport had taken a major toll, to the purpose he was not his “standard bubbly self”.
Nonetheless, there’s undoubtedly a approach again to the grid for the Aussie. Ricciardo is the perfect and most skilled third/reserve driver in Method 1. Your entire grid is aware of how a lot expertise he holds and the way profitable he might be on the observe. If an excellent alternative comes about for Ricciardo, issues might end up in his favor as we inch nearer to the 2024 season.
There are some groups that would doubtlessly welcome him with open arms. These might be Haas, Crimson Bull, Alfa Romeo, and even AlphaTauri. All 4 groups have no less than one driver with an unsure future. If simply a kind of drivers doesn’t meet their workforce’s expectations, that might be the best alternative for the Australian to rejuvenate his profession.
The potential for the eight-time race winner returning to the grid is ever so current. However for now, Ricciardo will work laborious in his position as Crimson Bull’s third driver.