F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Ricciardo won't 'freak out' if 2024 F1 drive doesn't materialize

Daniel Ricciardo says that remaining on the sidelines next season isn't his 'Plan A', but if a full-time drive in F1 doesn't materialize, the Aussie won't "freak out".

Ricciardo is currently Red Bull's third driver, embedding with the team at each race and conducting development work in the simulator.

The 34-year-old will have a chance to sample Red Bull's all-conquering RB19 at Silverstone next week as he has been assigned to a tyre test with the team, which will give the eight-time Grand Prix winner a chance to stretch his legs out on the racetrack.

However, the uncertain future surrounding AlphaTauri's Nyck de Vries could provide Ricciardo with an opening, although Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko has suggested that the energy drink company also has a selection of juniors to choose from should de Vries lose his drive.

Nevertheless, Ricciardo is keeping an open mind about returning to the grid with AlphaTauri.

"If it’s like ‘This is you and you are signing a three-year deal and that’s the only place you are going to be’, then no, that’s maybe not the deal I would look for," he told Crash.net.

“But if there’s the possibility to obviously be here [at Red Bull], the truth is this is where I want to be. I’m not going to weave my way around it. I’m remaining open-minded.

"I’d love to get back on the grid next year," he added. "If things don't turn out the way I’d like and I’m on the sidelines again next year... it’s not my Plan A but I wouldn’t freak out."

Ricciardo admitted that Nico Hulkenberg's return to active duty with Haas after a three-year hiatus – save for a handful of substitutions with Racing Point/Aston Martin during that time – has provided him with a dose of hope and motivation.

"I look at Hulkenberg, who's been on the sidelines a few years - obviously done the odd race here and there - but he’s been pretty awesome this year," Ricciardo noted. " So I’m not concerned that I’ll ‘lose it’.

"Obviously, I’m not getting younger though, so I don’t want to miss too much. Because I also don’t want to be [Fernando] Alonso and in my forties doing it."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Bearman gives harsh verdict on Sao Paulo stand-in

Oliver Bearman got quite the early morning wake-up call on Friday in Sao Paulo when…

10 hours ago

Red Bull still 'looking at the facts' regarding Perez's performance

While his team mate Max Verstappen thrilled the fans with a run from 17th on…

12 hours ago

Sad Colapinto laments two crashes in one day in Sao Paulo

Williams suffered a bruising time on Sunday in Sao Paulo, with Alex Albon unable to…

13 hours ago

McLaren: No regrets over timing of Norris pit stop in Sao Paulo GP

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has insisted that the squad has no regrets about their…

14 hours ago

Williams' Boutsen hoists the mainsail in Adelaide

On this day in 1989, Williams' Thierry Boutsen secured his second F1 win when he…

16 hours ago

Horner: Max 'answered critics' with epic Sao Paulo GP drive

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hailed Max Verstappen’s sensational Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory…

16 hours ago