Verstappen BAN could offer Ricciardo shock F1 return… read more
Daniel Ricciardo, the Australian Formula 1 driver, is facing an uncertain future in the sport after being dropped by Red Bull in September 2024. Despite his impressive track record, including eight grand prix wins, Ricciardo struggled to find consistency with the junior Red Bull team. With Liam Lawson promoted to the main Red Bull seat and Isack Hadjar replacing him at VCARB, Ricciardo’s options for a 2025 seat appear limited.
At 35 years old, Ricciardo is not ready to retire, but a full-time return to the sport seems unlikely. Teams are increasingly favoring young talents, and experienced drivers like Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas are also vying for a spot on the grid. However, there is a glimmer of hope for Ricciardo. If something were to go awry for Red Bull in 2025, he might be called upon to fill a temporary void.
One scenario that could play out is if Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion, were to receive a race ban. Verstappen accumulated several penalties in the second half of the 2024 season, leaving him perilously close to a one-race ban. If he were to exceed the 12 penalty points on his superlicence, he would be forced to sit out a grand prix.
In such an event, Red Bull might turn to Ricciardo or Perez to fill the gap. Both drivers have recent experience in the sport, and their skills would still be sharp. It’s not unprecedented for teams to call upon retired or experienced drivers in times of need. In 2017, McLaren enlisted the services of Jenson Button, who had recently retired, to replace Fernando Alonso at the Monaco GP.
While this scenario is speculative, it’s not entirely impossible. Ricciardo has expressed his desire to remain involved in the sport, and a temporary stint with Red Bull could provide a fitting swan song for his F1 career. The Australian driver has been an integral part of the sport for over a decade, and his experience and expertise would be valuable assets to any team.
In conclusion, while Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 future appears uncertain, there is a possibility that he could be thrown a lifeline by Red Bull in 2025. If Max Verstappen were to receive a race ban, the team might turn to Ricciardo or Perez to fill the gap. While this scenario is speculative, it’s not entirely impossible, and it would provide a fitting opportunity for Ricciardo to bid farewell to the sport he loves.
