F1 News Today: Daniel Ricciardo wins big as axed Red Bull star in ‘ne….read more
Australian racing driver Daniel Ricciardo has recently made headlines, not for his on-track performances, but for significant developments in his professional journey within Formula 1. After parting ways with McLaren at the end of the 2022 season, Ricciardo rejoined Red Bull Racing as a third driver for the 2023 season. This role encompassed testing, simulation work, and various commercial activities, marking a homecoming to the team where he had previously secured seven Grand Prix victories between 2014 and 2018.
Despite this reunion, Ricciardo’s aspirations to return to a primary racing seat faced challenges. In 2024, he joined the Red Bull-owned RB team, aiming to leverage this opportunity to showcase his capabilities and potentially earn a spot back in the main Red Bull lineup. However, his tenure with RB was short-lived. By September 2024, Ricciardo departed from the team with immediate effect and was replaced by reserve driver Liam Lawson. Acknowledging the conclusion of this chapter, Ricciardo expressed that he didn’t achieve the “fairytale ending” he had hoped for during his time with RB.
Liam Lawson, who had previously substituted for an injured Ricciardo in 2023, stepped into the RB seat full-time following Ricciardo’s exit. Lawson’s promotion was seen as a strategic move by Red Bull to inject fresh talent into the team, especially given Ricciardo’s underwhelming performance, having only secured points in three out of eighteen races during the 2024 season.
Amid these transitions, rumors began circulating about Ricciardo’s potential return to Formula 1. Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing’s team principal, commented on these speculations, stating that he wouldn’t be surprised to see Ricciardo back on the grid despite the driver’s hints at retirement. Horner emphasized that while Ricciardo had stepped away from a full-time racing role, his popularity and experience remained valuable assets within the motorsport community.
Further fueling discussions about Ricciardo’s future were reports suggesting that Toyota was prepared to offer him a substantial deal to compete in both the Australian Supercars series and NASCAR. Described as a “blank cheque operation,” this initiative highlighted Toyota’s interest in leveraging Ricciardo’s charisma and fan appeal to boost their presence in these racing series. However, it remained uncertain whether Ricciardo was inclined to pursue this avenue, especially given his previous indications of seeking a new adventure post-Formula 1.
Despite the swirling rumors and potential opportunities, Ricciardo appeared to signal a definitive end to his racing career. During an event, when questioned about a possible association with Cadillac’s Formula 1 ambitions, Ricciardo responded with a smile and a dismissive gesture, stating, “No, it’s over.” This candid admission suggested that he was at peace with his decision to step away from competitive racing after a 14-year tenure in Formula 1.
In summary, Daniel Ricciardo’s journey over the past few years has been marked by significant shifts, from rejoining Red Bull in a supportive capacity to a brief stint with RB, and ultimately, his departure from the racing scene. While speculations about potential returns and alternative racing ventures have abounded, Ricciardo’s own statements indicate a readiness to close this chapter of his life, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a lasting impact on the world of motorsport.
