Daniel Ricciardo drops huge hint he’ll be driving in F1 next year after ‘sad’ Australian Grand Prix
Daniel Ricciardo drops huge hint he will be back in Formula 1 next year after being labeled ‘sad and lost’ at Australian Grand Prix
- Ricciardo drops a hint that he will be back next year
- Aussie described as sad and lost by commentator
- F1 star says he can continue current role for ‘a year’
Aussie Daniel Ricciardo has dropped a big hint that he will return to the Formula 1 paddock next year after being described as ‘sad and lost’ at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
The 33-year-old eight-time grand prix winner lost his place on the F1 grid this year following a messy split with McLaren after two very frustrating seasons.
He is now back on contract with Red Bull as a part-time reserve driver with a view to returning to Formula 1 in 2024, and enjoyed his first race weekend at Albert Park since parting ways with McLaren.
Sky Sports commentator Ted Kravitz ran into Ricciardo behind the pits this weekend and commented that the Aussie appeared to be ‘in pain’ and ‘hated’ that he wasn’t an F1 driver.
‘Just a tip. I’m not sure you look good on the pit wall,” Kravitz said.
Aussie Daniel Ricciardo has dropped a big hint he will return to the Formula 1 paddock next year after being described as ‘sad and lost’ at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne
Sky Sports commentator Ted Kravitz ran into Ricciardo behind the pits this weekend and commented that the Aussie appeared to be ‘in pain’ and ‘hated’ that he wasn’t an F1 driver
To which Ricciardo replied: ‘I look good in these colors, don’t I?’
Kravitz said Ricciardo makes a “sad figure” while not participating.
“You act (look good), but don’t go on the pit wall,” he said.
‘It didn’t look good. It made me sad.’
Ricciardo’s next comment was the most definitive proclamation yet that he will return next year.
‘Do I look a little lonely? It is well. I can do it for a year,” he said.
‘It is well. It’s not forever.’
Over the weekend, Haas F1 boss Guenther Steiner refused to rule out his team signing Ricciardo for the 2024 season.
Ricciardo’s comment was the most definitive sign yet that he will return next year
The Aussie told a reporter he may continue in his current role for “a year.”
“It’s a bit early to talk about a driver change for next year, so let’s see what we do with these drivers (first),” he said.
“Maybe I’ll talk to him someday, but I can’t make any promises.”
Steiner also believes Ricciardo won’t be short of offers, with Alpine another looming option, especially if Frenchman Pierre Gasly doesn’t excel.
Ricciardo firmly believes he can rediscover his mojo and be a force next year – provided he is on the books of a title contender.
“To go back and maybe put myself in a seat fighting at best for a top 10 finish, I don’t think it’s going to get the best of me,” he told The Athletic.