Back on Track: Exploring Ricciardo's F1 Future
Can Riccardo get back into F1 with a top team? Credit: RaceFans.
Daniel Ricciardo is one of the best drivers to grace the world of Formula One. Although now he is on sabbatical, you can't help but miss that cheeky Australian smile.
At the age of 33, Ricciardo is no longer a young man in F1 terms, but there is still time for him to get back into the sport.
Just look at Fernando Alonso at the age of 41 and how high a level he has been performing this year, and lets not forget Nico Hulkenberg who had a 3 year break before returning this season at the age of 35.
Back at the Australian Grand Prix, Ricciardo spoke to Sky Sports, suggesting that a return is on his mind for 2024.
Daniel Riccardo, Current Red Bull Third Driver
"The signs are pointing towards getting back on the grid," Ricciardo said in Australia. "I feel like that's where I'm tracking in my head and a few of the habits that I'm having or doing is pointing towards that."
However Ricciardo's hope for a comeback in 2024 may be hampered by the arrival of F1's next generation, such as F2 champions Felipe Drugovich, Mick Schumacher, and current Red Bull junior Liam Lawson, among others who are on various teams' lists.
How likely is a Daniel Riccardo F1 return?
Although Ricciardo is confident of an F1 return, its likelihood remains uncertain. Earlier this week, rumours emerged that Ricciardo might replace the struggling Nick De Vries at AlphaTauri, as he was spotted in Faenza having a seat fit with the team.
However, these rumours were squashed when sources told ESPN that Ricciardo is not in the frame to replace De Vries and that no conversations have taken place with him about that scenario.
Red Bull junior Liam Lawson, who has had an impressive start racing in Super Formula, would be the obvious choice to step in should De Vries be released by AlphaTauri.
So, with Red Bull and AlphaTauri out of the equation, Ricciardo's options appear limited. Ferrari and Mercedes have their current line-ups locked in, and Ricciardo's previous teams, McLaren and Alpine (previously Renault), are unlikely to look favourably on the 8-time race winner.
This leaves only four potential teams for Ricciardo to join, and even these seem slim.
Aston Martin is currently very happy with Fernando Alonso, who has scored 4 out of 5 podiums this season and is looking to stay at the team until at least 2025. Lance Stroll is also set to remain at the team indefinitely, obviously.
Haas and Williams reportedly tried to lure Ricciardo after his exit from McLaren was announced last season, but with Ricciardo only wanting to race with a top team, it's unlikely he will move there.
This leaves just one team: Alfa Romeo.
Currently ranked 8th in the standings, the team is in the process of being taken over by German manufacturer Audi, who now own a minority stake in the Sauber team.
This adds significant value to the team, and with a big name comes a bigger budget and more sponsors, which is precisely what the Swiss outfit has been lacking in recent years.
Sauber was associated with German manufacturer BMW back in 2006 until 2009, they won one race in Canada with Robert Kubica in 2008 and claimed multiple podiums. It was a hugely successful period for the team.
BMW Sauber took a solitary win by Robert Kubica and 17 podiums over 3 years. Credit: MaxF1.net
Audi is set to officially take over the team in 2026, coinciding with the start of the new regulations. Preparations have already begun with a staff recruitment drive, engine development as well as F1 facilities being built.
Adam Baker, Audi's F1 manager, said the aim is to be winning races within three years.
Adam Baker, Audi F1 Project Manager.
"Our goal is to be up front in the third year," he added. "For that, we need a top engine. We want to show what 'Made in Germany' stands for: a reliable engine at the highest level."
While Alfa Romeo might be the best place for Ricciardo to aim for he’s comeback in 2024, winning races and championships by 2029 seems somewhat distant for Ricciardo, he will be 39 and potentially out of the sport before he reaps the rewards of Audi.
There is of course new teams that could be joining F1 in the near future like Andretti Cadillac who could be interested in Riccardo’s services. As new teams would need the experience and knowledge of a multiple race winner like Riccardo.
Plus the marketing department wouldn’t say no.
Daniel Ricciardo's return to F1 presents a tantalising prospect not just for his legion of fans, but also for the sport itself. His experience, talent, and charisma would surely invigorate any team he joins.
But as we've seen, his options seem limited. With a desire to compete at the top, Ricciardo's return to F1 might hinge on the willingness of a team to invest in his vision for success.
However, with the ongoing influx of young talent and a rapidly changing team landscape, Ricciardo's future in F1 remains uncertain. Regardless he will be remembered as one of best drivers of F1 in the modern era.