Drive to Survive: Daniel Ricciardo makes honest admission to Christian Horner in major sliding doors moment for his Formula One dream

  • Daniel Ricciardo honestly admitted this to Christian Horner
  • He had been approached by other motorsport competitions
  • But he chose to wait for an opportunity in Formula 1

Daniel Ricciardo has explained why he didn’t need approaches from IndyCar and NASCAR during his frustrating spell on the sidelines last year.

Ricciardo’s Formula 1 career came to a standstill in the first half of 2023, with no team offering the popular Australian a seat after he lost his McLaren ride in 2022.

He ultimately accepted a role as ‘third driver’ at Red Bull as he weighed his options, with IndyCar and NASCAR emerging as a possible new home for the 34-year-old.

And in episode two of Drive To Survive, Ricciardo is begged by Romain Grosjean to join IndyCar – the former F1 driver who made the move after leaving Haas.

‘When are you coming?’ Grosjean asks Ricciardo ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix. ‘Come on. It’s good racing.’

Daniel Ricciardo honestly conceded to Christian Horner last season

Ricciardo's career was at a crossroads at the start of the 2023 season

Ricciardo’s career was at a crossroads at the start of the 2023 season

Romain Grosjean was seen trying to persuade Ricciardo to join IndyCar

Romain Grosjean was seen trying to persuade Ricciardo to join IndyCar

Ricciardo politely entertained the Frenchman before heading to the Red Bull camp, where he discussed his predicament with team boss Christian Horner.

“They’re desperate to get you into NASCAR,” Horner acknowledged.

“Yes, I know,” Ricciardo replied. “I just don’t want to… because I honestly don’t feel ready yet, I don’t want to deviate.”

“Have you had anyone else come out of the woodwork into the paddock yet?” Horner asked. whereupon Ricciardo shook his head.

“It’s still very early though,” Horner said.

“I certainly don’t want to make any plans,” Ricciardo insisted.

“Take your time,” Horner advised.

As it was, Ricciardo bided his time and was rewarded with a seat at AlphaTauri after Red Bull’s junior team dumped Nyck De Vries.

Horner eventually gave Ricciardo a lifeline in Formula 1 with AlphaTauri

Horner eventually gave Ricciardo a lifeline in Formula 1 with AlphaTauri

Horner gave Ricciardo his second chance after an impressive test at Silverstone, matching Max Verstappen’s speed during a stint on track.

“That lap he just drove, you would have put him next to Max (Verstappen) on the grid,” Horner said to Ricciardo’s entourage.

“He looks more like the Daniel we recognize than he did over the past few years.

“I want to put it in the car for the next race.”

Christian HornerDaniel Ricciardo