F1 star Daniel Ricciardo is finding his mojo at Australian Grand Prix and is firming to race in 2024

Daniel Ricciardo may be getting his mojo back after a horror season at McLaren, with his Red Bull boss saying the Aussie is ’10 minutes from readiness’.

And Ricciardo has expressed his desire to make a comeback to the Formula 1 grid in 2024, saying “the signs are pointing” to his return.

The 33-year-old Australian, attending his first race of the season as Red Bull’s reserve driver for Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, is curious to see if the competitive juices are still flowing.

Ricciardo left McLaren last year after two disappointing seasons and was replaced by Aussie youngster Oscar Piastri.

Ricciardo will be attending around eight of the 23 races on the F1 calendar this year as he takes a step back from the rigors of the sport’s demanding schedule.

Ricciardo poses for a photo with Matt Ford (L) and Jack Steele (R) of The Inspired Unworkers

However, Ricciardo believes he is still hungry to get back into F1 and his love for the sport has not faded.

“It made me realize how much I care,” he said.

“I want to be back with a top team, and a team where I have that confidence back and my mojo.

“To go back and maybe put myself in a seat fighting for a top 10 at best, I don’t think it’s going to get the best of me.

“I see myself, at least in my head, wanting to be back on the grid. But there are still some conditions, so to speak. It’s not at all costs.’

Former Australian F1 World Champion Alan Jones talks to Ricciardo in Melbourne ahead of the Aussie GP

Red Bull boss Christian Horner praised Ricciardo’s positive energy and contribution to the team, saying he is “no doubt ready for the race”.

Horner welcomed Ricciardo back to the team, where he spent five seasons from 2014-2018, saying “It’s great to have him back in the blue and back on the team.”

“He’s really throwing himself into it – he’s in all the briefings, he’s also been working really hard on the simulator in the UK doing some race support and development work on that,” said Horner.

Daniel is such a positive energy to have around. It’s great to see him get his mojo back, to see that big smile on his face.

“He lights up a room when he enters. Even though he’s not driving, he’s probably still the most popular driver here.″⁣

Piastri makes his hometown debut at Albert Park after being signed by McLaren to replace Ricciardo

Piastri during free practice two during the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne

Meanwhile, Melbourne-born Oscar Piastri also made his hometown debut at the Australian Grand Prix.

The 21-year-old loved being on the track in Albert Park, just a 10-minute drive from his childhood home. However, Piastri still has a long way to go before his McLaren can compete with the elite. He finished 12th out of 20 drivers in Friday’s opening practice and 14th in a wet second session.

“Very, very special, of course, to be at home here,” he said.

“It’s a nice job – the walls are a little closer than they look on TV.”