Ricciardo F1 COMEBACK decision FINALLY…read more
Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula 1 comeback ambitions have hit a significant roadblock, with a decision finalized regarding his return to the grid. The Australian driver, who partnered with Yuki Tsunoda at VCARB last season, will begin the 2025 season without a seat in the sport’s top tier following his dismissal from the team in September.
Ricciardo, known for his charismatic personality and impressive track record, has been vocal about his desire to rejoin Red Bull Racing. The 35-year-old first rose to prominence during his earlier stint with the Milton Keynes-based team, where he earned eight Grand Prix victories and established himself as one of F1’s standout drivers.
Midway through the 2024 season, Ricciardo’s dream of returning to Red Bull seemed within reach. With Sergio Perez struggling to maintain form, speculation was rife that Ricciardo would step into the second seat alongside reigning world champion Max Verstappen. Fans and pundits alike believed that Ricciardo’s experience and previous success with the team made him an ideal candidate to replace Perez and reignite his career at the top.
However, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner ultimately chose to back Perez, allowing the Mexican driver an opportunity to regain his confidence and performance. Despite Perez’s inconsistent results, Horner’s decision reflected the team’s commitment to stability during a challenging phase of the season.
Unfortunately for Ricciardo, his own performances at VCARB failed to make a convincing case for a full-time return to Red Bull. After several underwhelming races and no notable improvements in form, Ricciardo was replaced by rising talent Liam Lawson. The young New Zealander impressed during his limited outings, solidifying his position as a future contender for Red Bull or its sister team, AlphaTauri.
The decision to part ways with Ricciardo marks a disappointing turn of events for the Australian, who had been working tirelessly to revive his F1 career after leaving McLaren in 2022. His departure from VCARB leaves him without a seat for the 2025 season and raises questions about his future in motorsport.
Despite the setback, Ricciardo remains a fan favorite, admired for his resilience and positive attitude. While his immediate prospects in Formula 1 are uncertain, his popularity and reputation in the paddock suggest he could explore other opportunities within the racing world, such as endurance racing or a potential return to F1 in a different capacity.
As Formula 1 continues to evolve, Ricciardo’s story serves as a reminder of the sport’s unforgiving nature and the challenges faced by even the most talented drivers. For now, the grid moves forward without one of its most charismatic stars, but the Australian’s journey may not be over just yet. Fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on his next move, hoping for another chapter in his remarkable career.
