Daniel Ricciardo has hit a rough spot in his F1 career, especially in the last 2 seasons. So much so, that the Aussie is out of a full-time drive for the next season. A talented driver seen as a potential world champion is now losing grip on his dreams. Nonetheless, Ricciardo has turned back to the team that made him the star he is – Red Bull.

Ricciardo has signed up with Red Bull as a third driver for 2023. Though it is not an official reserve driver role, as that will still be assumed by Liam Lawson. Daniel will be involved in several marketing activities, exhibition drives, and many media appearances for Red Bull.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Speedcafe.com, Ricciardo expressed his thoughts on getting back with Red Bull. He clarified his expectations regarding a race seat for his future. He said, “It’s nice to be in a winning environment, I think you learn a lot, If there’s not a seat with them, potentially they can help find a seat elsewhere.”

The Honey Badger cited the example of Nyck de Vries, who was a Mercedes reserve and now will drive for AlphaTauri in 2023. He continued, “Also, being linked with a top team, a bit like [Nyck] de Vries was with Mercedes, you’re living with a top team – I feel like you’re more, I don’t want to use the word relevance, but you’re kind of more recognized and less forgotten.”

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Daniel has mentioned that there are a lot of things that he looks forward to with the Milton Keynes team. Meanwhile, it will give him time to rekindle his fire for F1, after a couple of rough years at McLaren.

Daniel Ricciardo completes the full circle with Red Bull – What’s Next?

Calling Daniel Ricciardo a journeyman is quite apt. He has been with 5 different teams in F1 since his debut in 2011 and could have added to that tally if he had secured a 2023 seat. Although, the Australian driver felt right to take a step back, and slow down to introspect on what he wants from his career.

His decision to sign for Red Bull brings him back to where he started as a young driver. Many would ask the question, is Red Bull where Daniel belongs? Should he have stayed back in 2018? Hindsight is wonderful, though 4 years later it’s Red Bull again that is supporting the Aussie to rekindle his love for the sport.

Regarding a race seat, Ricciardo knows he may not get a chance back in the Red Bull car. Although, he shall keep searching for a seat elsewhere. The 8-time race winner had clarified previously that he is mostly looking for a top-team drive. This was the prime reason he may not have negotiated much for the Haas and Williams seats.

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However, with all the top teams having their driver lineup sorted for the new future, it will be difficult for Daniel to get a shot soon. At the age of 33, he may be running out of time soon for a top-team drive. Can Ricciardo make a full-time comeback to F1?