via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria – July 7, 2022 McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo ahead of the Grand Prix REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria – July 7, 2022 McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo ahead of the Grand Prix REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
It is only the second day of the Formula 1 summer break and the stories outside the paddock keep unraveling. At this time of the year, the negotiations between the drivers and constructors are in their prime. The new name emerging amidst these future contract talks is McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo.
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Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel stunned the motorsport world by announcing his retirement. To fill the void, the constructor quickly announced the signing of the two-time world champion, Fernando Alonso. The knock-on effect has resulted in a seat being vacant at the French constructor (Alpine) for the 2023 season.
In 2020, the pandemic was not the only bad news for the team powered by the Renault engine. Very early that season, Ricciardo announced an astonishing move to McLaren for 2021. ‘Honey Badger‘ signed a three-year deal and aimed to reach his F1 title ambitions with the papaya outfit.
So the big question now is what will happen to Mick and Piastri.
Possibilities:
– Ricciardo > Alpine & Piastri joining McLaren
– Piastri > Alpine, Mick & Daniel stay at their current teams, Sargeant > Williams?
Silly season is here. What’s next?#Formula1 #F1
— F1 Insider (@F1Insider_) August 1, 2022
It is no secret that the last couple of years have been rough for him. Daniel Ricciardo has failed to replicate the highs of Monza 2021 and match the pace set by Lando Norris. However, during the second half of his last season (2020) with Renault, the Aussie secured consistent results and multiple podium finishes. He was a threat and outscored his teammate, Esteban Ocon, effortlessly.
The Perth-Born racing driver ended the season in P5 and was the best of the rest. A move back to the French outfit could appeal to him as he has struggled with McLaren and is a proven racing driver under what is now Alpine.
F1 Twitter pleads with Daniel Ricciardo to jump ship
The 33-year-old has been renowned as the ‘last of the late brakers’. Nevertheless, the inability to get on top of his MCL36 has robbed the Aussie of the opportunity to show why he is called the honey badger. Motivated by the empty seat at Alpine, F1 Twitter wants to see the star back with his old crew.
me explaining why daniel ricciardo should sign with alpine so oscar piastri could join mclaren: pic.twitter.com/nyO0Nj9wCa
— svea (@formulasvea) August 1, 2022
According to autohebdo Daniel Ricciardo is the favourite to take Fernando Alonso's place at Alpine, hopefully Daniel will quickly return to the form he had at Renault and take many podiums and wins next season
— Alexey Yuzvinsky (@yuzbinsky) August 2, 2022
@danielricciardo @AlpineF1Team GET YOUR ASS BACK TO ALPINE DANIEL JOSEPH RICCIARDO! Right now, please!!!!
— Olee (@Ale05478617) August 1, 2022
The lovely noise @danielricciardo Will get from @AlpineF1Team next year #F1 pic.twitter.com/mzgc7L2Qta
— Ale Trinidad (@aletrinidad) August 1, 2022
How about Daniel Ricciardo back to Alpine?
At least with that team he can demonstrate his potential. pic.twitter.com/HgIPfRdycd— J (@kingJibz98) August 1, 2022
WHAT DO WE WANT? Daniel Ricciardo to Alpine
WHEN DO WE WANT IT? now— Sharry🦋🫐 (@Arctic_sharry) August 1, 2022
Presently, 21-year-old Alpine test driver Oscar Piastri is the favorite to sign with the team for the 2023 season. The team has significantly invested in the 2021 Formula 2 champion who has emerged from their academy.
Hear me out what if it’s a driver swap? Ricciardo back to Renault/Alpine and Piastri to Mclaren
It would actually make a lot of sense. It’s very clear that the Mclaren does not suit Daniel and he knows folks at Alpine well and can work to develop the car https://t.co/Opl8GgJYPH
— Red Bull Second Driver’s Club (@RBSecondDriver) August 1, 2022
AND silly season continues… (thanks @alo_oficial 😂😂)
Now the current rumours is that Daniel Ricciardo is favourite for the Alpine seat, with Oscar going to McLaren!!
Never mind, the next race is in 4 weeks… 🙄#F1 #Formula1 #Piastri #Ricciardo pic.twitter.com/l1MtZ7ICO3
— FormulaNerds 🤓🏁 (@Formula_Nerds) August 1, 2022
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.@danielricciardo GO BACK TO ALPINE RIGHT NOW
— mary (@ricciardaur) August 1, 2022
yes pic.twitter.com/SBSsBmjJQl
— ece ③ (@ricciardopics) August 1, 2022
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In whichever direction the pendulum swings, it looks certain that the paddock would see an Australian racing driver in the vacant Alpine seat. Who do you think the French team should sign to chase its ambitions of winning races? Will they back youth or experience?
