Imagine what the Formula 1 grid would look like without Daniel Ricciardo’s infectious smile lighting it up. Well, that might very well be a possibility now because of some recent developments. The last time Danny Ricc had truly peaked was during the 2021 season. Crossing the chequered line in the topmost position at the Monza GP, the Aussie had said, “For anyone who thought I had left, I never left. Just moved aside for a while.” But he did not show such a glorious form ever since. And as a series of upsetting finishes followed the Monza GP victory, McLaren decided to oust Daniel Ricciardo ahead of the 2023 season.

McLaren sacking Ricciardo in favor of Oscar Piastri was a career setback for the Honey Badger. However, he decided to return to Red Bull, where he had previously been a regular racer, in a reserve role. And his eyes had always been on Sergio Perez‘s seat at the Austrian outfit. But in the middle of 2023, Danny Ricc landed a chance to move to VCARB, the sister team of Red Bull. And recently, all speculations have claimed Ricciardo might get Perez’s seat any moment now since the Mexican’s performance in 2024 has not been up to the mark.

But Sergio “Checo” Perez does not want to go down without a fight. Being the only Mexican in F1, he gets the backing from huge investors from his company, including the $84 billion net worth businessman Carlos Slim. While Red Bull was almost going to announce that it was parting ways with Checo after his P7 finish in Belgium, Slim intervened and saved the day. Now, Christian Horner’s army has completely backtracked on its intent to swap Perez for Ricciardo. And this has led to Daniel Ricciardo being unsure of what lies ahead of him in the next F1 season.

Daniel’s VCARB contract will run out this year, and he had banked on getting Checo’s Red Bull seat by then. If he does not get another deal with the Racing Bulls and neither does he land Sergio Perez’s spot, then he will be left with no choice. So, Daniel Ricciardo admitted he has thought about retiring after this season. He told Autosport, “I still feel so hungry and motivated, so of course I would be sad because I feel like I’ve still got more to give. But I would definitely take it from a place of gratitude as well.” Thus, Daniel Ricciardo accepts that exiting F1 is very much a possibility for him now. But is he even ready for his retirement?

Daniel Ricciardo admits he might not be “ready” to leave F1

In 2011, Daniel Ricciardo drove at a test for HRT Racing before moving to a full-time seat at Scuderia Toro Rosso (the former version of the Racing Bulls). It has been a long 13 years since then and the Australian is still busy making everyone smile at the paddocks with his vivacious energy. However, his scores show how his performance has dropped and his options are becoming limited now. But leaving Formula 1 is something the #3 racer does not want to face.

Speaking on his retirement, Daniel said, “Look, I’m grateful that I had the time I had, and I was able to drive a car that won races. I’ve had a more than 10-year career in a sport I know many can only dream of. I would probably go to bed with that thought. But inside, I feel like I’m not ready.” Thus, the 34-year-old can only dream of Red Bull offering Checo’s seat to him now to revive his hopes for staying in F1 beyond 2024.

Considering Ricciardo’s current situation, the Racing Bulls might offer him a seat for next season. But the Australian wants to grab Checo’s seat only. So, do you think he would go for another term at VCARB just to avoid a retirement from F1? Share in the comments.