A few weeks back, it seemed like Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula 1 career was at an end. However, he has since surfaced as a potential replacement for Sergio Perez at Red Bull this season, which was his initial reason for being brought back into the fold.
Formula 1 can be quite unpredictable, and veteran driver Ricciardo has experienced many facets of it.
“It is an amusing business,” he smiles in agreement when meeting with Autosport in Spa.
“Having taken a break last year has allowed me to return to this sport and handle things much more effectively. I find it amusing in a way. I strangely enjoy it.
“Is it somewhat stressful? Yes. But you know what? it’s a wild world, a crazy sport, and it’s enjoyable to be involved in it.
“There’s pressure on many of us, and there will be moments where we need to see if we can handle that pressure. I’m looking forward to seeing if I can rise to the challenge.”
Podium: Race winner Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Sutton Images
Ricciardo has firsthand experience of the high-pressure environment at Red Bull alongside Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. Considering the struggles of his successors, his original time at Red Bull – which included seven of his eight grand prix victories – appears even more impressive in retrospect.
Yet, the 35-year-old has also faced challenges, notably during his time with McLaren.
In his attempts to adapt his driving style to a car he struggled with, Ricciardo found himself caught in a cycle of frustration.
After two years of struggling beside Lando Norris – aside from that unforgettable day in Monza when he secured a McLaren 1-2 as Verstappen and Hamilton collided – Ricciardo’s time at McLaren came to an end.
Following that tough period, which drained his enthusiasm for F1, Ricciardo was confronted with the question of whether he truly wanted to return to a sport that had once consumed him.
However, he did return after receiving a lifeline from Christian Horner at Red Bull, and a test at Silverstone last July assured Horner that the old Honey Badger capable of winning races was still within him.
Marshals repair the barriers and deal with the damaged car of Daniel Ricciardo, AlphaTauri AT04
Photo by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images
After a hand injury in Zandvoort interrupted his comeback with Red Bull’s sister team AlphaTauri – now RB – Ricciardo began 2024 with a fresh start, benefiting from a full pre-season to prove he is worthy of Perez’s seat.
However, as teammate Yuki Tsunoda found impressive form, Ricciardo struggled to find pace in the VCARB01. More frequently than not, Tsunoda outperformed him in qualifying, allowing the Japanese driver to accumulate 22 points compared to Ricciardo’s 12.
Ricciardo pushed for a chassis change in Shanghai, which turned out to be a pivotal moment, leading to a strong fourth in the Miami sprint and a fifth in Canadian GP qualifying. He is gradually showing the consistency that Red Bull and RB require.
“This season has certainly had a different rhythm,” Ricciardo reflects. “Yuki has experienced fewer dips in performance; his consistency has been strong from start to finish while I took a bit longer to find my groove.
“The chassis change in China is where my season really began to look more promising. From that point, I felt more connected to the car and started gaining some of my confidence back.
“Maintaining speed has been crucial. Now, it’s about ensuring I can tap into that speed more regularly, which I have done, but there’s always room for improvement.”
At his lowest point, concerns arose about whether he might repeat his McLaren challenges.
Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren
Photo by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images
Despite the frustrations of his previous results, the despondency that marked his time at McLaren is not present this time around.
Having once thought that his F1 career was over just 18 months ago, he now feels free from fear.
“It’s not that I have a carefree attitude, but my perspective is that all of this is a bonus because I genuinely believed at the end of 2022 that I might never race in Formula 1 again,” he explains.
“So, having this second chance, if there’s pressure, let’s face it. There’s really nothing that can hurt me anymore.
“I can’t control what happens in the future. What I can control is what occurs on the track. I don’t even take it race by race; I take it session by session.”
It has been recently confirmed that Ricciardo will remain with RB for the rest of the season, missing out on a promotion to Red Bull for now, but also avoiding being replaced early by reserve driver Liam Lawson, who is likely to get a seat in 2025.
Daniel Ricciardo, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
That decision has now been postponed until later in the season, but if 2024 ends up being Ricciardo’s final year in Formula 1, he has no regrets.
“I still feel incredibly hungry and driven, so while I would be saddened by it, I also feel grateful because I know I still have more to contribute. I’ve positioned myself back into a great place,” he shares when asked about the potential end of his career.
“So, it would be sad, but I would view it with appreciation as well, and I believe that perspective helps me at times.
“I’m thankful for the time I’ve had, for the chance to drive a winning car. I’ve had a career spanning over ten years in a sport that many can only aspire to.
“I would likely go to bed with that gratitude. Yet deep down, I feel like I’m not finished.”
