Ricciardo decision reached as Red Bull replacement talks confirmed… read more
The fate of Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula 1 comeback has been a topic of much speculation and debate among fans and pundits alike. The Australian driver, who was unceremoniously axed by Red Bull Racing’s junior team, AlphaTauri, in September last year, is currently without a seat in the top tier of motorsport.
Ricciardo’s desire to return to the sport is well-documented, and he has been vocal about his ambition to earn a spot with Red Bull Racing, the team where he made his name in F1. The 35-year-old’s dream seemed within reach midway through last season, with many tipping him to replace Sergio Perez, who was struggling to find form.
However, Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner ultimately decided to give Perez another chance, and Ricciardo’s failure to improve his own results led to his dismissal. Liam Lawson, who had been impressive in his junior career, was promoted to take Ricciardo’s place.
The question on everyone’s lips is: will Ricciardo return to F1? The Australian driver has had no shortage of offers since leaving the sport, with racing bosses from around the world eager to bring him on board. However, it remains to be seen whether he will be able to secure a seat with a top-tier team.
Ricciardo’s situation is not without precedent. He has been in this position before, having also found himself without a seat at the start of the 2023 campaign after his departure from McLaren. On that occasion, he accepted a role as Red Bull’s third driver before making his comeback in July of that year, replacing Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri.
De Vries’ axing, which came after he failed to score a single point in his first 10 F1 outings, has been deemed the harshest in F1 history, according to a recent poll conducted by GPFans. The poll found that 47% of fans believed that Ricciardo’s comeback and De Vries’ dismissal was the most brutal, with Pierre Gasly’s Red Bull sacking in favor of Alex Albon back in 2019 coming second with 38% of the nominations.
The poll’s findings highlight the cutthroat nature of the F1 paddock, where drivers are constantly under pressure to perform and deliver results. Ricciardo’s situation serves as a reminder that even the most talented and experienced drivers can find themselves without a seat, and that the road back to the top can be long and arduous.
As the 2025 season approaches, Ricciardo’s future remains uncertain. Will he be able to secure a seat with a top-tier team, or will he be forced to look elsewhere? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Ricciardo’s determination and passion for the sport will drive him to continue pursuing his dream of returning to the top of the F1 grid.
