Drive To Survive: The moment Daniel Ricciardo convinced Christian Horner to give him an F1 lifeline revealed as Red Bull boss makes stunning 2025 admission
- Daniel Ricciardo convinced Christian Horner to give him a second chance
- Impressive laps at Silverstone confirmed Horner’s view that he still has what it takes
- Ricciardo joined AlphaTauri halfway through the 2023 Formula 1 season
The new Drive to Survive series has pinpointed the exact moment that convinced Christian Horner to give Daniel Ricciardo a second chance in Formula 1.
Ricciardo was sidelined for part of the 2023 season after being dumped by McLaren at the end of 2022. With no other team willing to offer him a seat, the Australian had to settle for the role of ‘third driver’ at Red Bull.
As the season progressed, Nick de Vyries’ performances with Red Bull’s junior team, AlphaTauri, caused concern among team bosses, including Horner.
So when Ricciardo was given the opportunity to drive Max Verstappen’s RB19 car for a few laps around Silverstone, it was essentially a test to see if the veteran still had the pace to compete at the top level.
Horner said during episode 2 of the latest series, as Ricciardo drove around the famous circuit: ‘Daniel knows everyone is going to look at that data and think ‘where is Daniel Ricciardo?’
Netflix has shared a highlight of the moment Daniel Ricciardo convinced Christian Horner to give him a second chance in Formula 1
The Australian passed the Silverstone test with flying colors during the 2023 season
A spin almost seemed to burst the Australian’s bubble, but he rallied and set impressive lap times. Returning to the pits, Horner asked Ricciardo’s management team for ‘a cup of tea’ before debriefing.
“That lap he just completed would have put you next to Max (Verstappen) on the grid,” he said enthusiastically.
“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.”
Horner broke the news to Ricciardo in the garage, before jokingly giving him a warning.
“Everyone’s on the same page, as long as you’re ready?” he asked Ricciardo.
“Okay,” the Australian said with a broad grin.
‘Welcome back to the team. Just don’t crash it,” Horner replied.
Later, in episode nine, Horner confirms that strong performances from Ricciardo at AlphaTauri will put him in a strong position to drive for Red Bull in 2025, when Sergio Perez’s contract expires.
“Three or four years ago he was one of the most highly rated drivers in Formula 1, and in 2023 no one wanted to give him a racing seat,” he said.
Ricciardo spun early but matched Max Verstappen’s pace as his time on track progressed
Ricciardo performed well for AlphaTauri in 2023 (pictured) after Horner said good performances for the team would give him a chance to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull
‘There are still questions about what has happened at McLaren in recent years, so it is inevitable that pressure will be put on him.
‘We are following Daniel closely. If he performs, he will be a candidate for us in 2025, he knows that.’
Ricciardo broke his wrist in Zandvoort and had to watch rookie Liam Lawson perform impressively.
But the Kiwi was denied a seat for 2024 and AlphaTauri – now known as RB Visa Cash App – has retained its faith in Ricciardo.