Daniel Ricciardo can’t help but smile toothily after learning he will get another opportunity in Formula 1.
The Australian driver with the legendary smile is against all odds back in F1 at Alpha Tauri, after being released by McLaren last year. The 34-year-old veteran will make his return to motorsport’s premier series on Sunday at the Hungaroring, a circuit in the countryside outside Budapest where he triumphed while driving for Red Bull in 2014.
“It feels good to be back, to see familiar faces again,” Ricciardo said. Being back in the Red Bull family brings back old memories. »
The holder of eight career F1 wins has been given a drive at Alpha Tauri – Red Bull’s academy team – for the remainder of the 2023 season, after Nyck de Vries was let go last week.
“Be prepared, you never know what’s coming,” said Ricciardo, who looked exhausted after two tough seasons but made the most of his break from F1.
“I went to a friend’s bachelor party, which I never do. It was a place called (Las) Vegas, I believe, he said, a smile on his lips. I took a step back, time for myself, which was necessary. It allowed me to recharge my batteries, and I’m obviously ready to take up the collar again. »
Ricciardo is back in an environment he knows well, having driven for Red Bull’s school team in 2012-13 – it was then called Toro Rosso.
“It’s been a long time, 10 years. The team has changed, I have changed. I feel like we’ve all moved on, he said. I’m just happy to get another opportunity. »
All is not rosy, however. Alpha Tauri is in last place in the constructors’ championship.
“There will be challenges,” admitted Ricciardo. I know we will have to work on the car, probably every weekend. »
Ricciardo’s F1 career seemed headed for the wall after he became a burden at McLaren due to his disappointing performances. Admittedly, he won the Italian Grand Prix in 2021, but it was his only podium with the British team.
Unable to find a car as 2023 dawned, he decided to return to Red Bull as a test driver. All that was before he got the call from Alpha Tauri director Franz Tost.
Ricciardo immediately seized his chance and impressed Red Bull boss Christian Horner during a practice session at Silverstone last week after the British Grand Prix.
If he shines at Alpha Tauri, then maybe a door will open at Red Bull.
Since claiming the lead position at the Miami Grand Prix in May, Sergio Perez has never cracked the top 10 in five qualifying sessions – he has taken all 16e11e12e15e and 15e places on the starting grid, despite the fact that he has one of the most efficient cars on the field.
Perez, who is under contract until the end of 2024, only got one podium finish during that miserable streak. Ricciardo’s return has fueled the rumor mill, with many believing he will once again become Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull. The Dutchman is the reigning double world champion, and he dominates the drivers’ championship far ahead of his closest pursuer, Perez.