Red Bull is in a strange place right now. On one hand, they are looking to be the dominant team in F1. While, on the other hand, several fans are criticizing them for the different controversies they have encountered recently. To top it off, the Milton Keynes outfit also has to deal with the budget cap punishment for 2023. Though many feel that the 10% reduction in aero testing time is not going to hurt Red Bull, their reserve driver Daniel Ricciardo doesn’t feel so.

Ricciardo signed up as the 3rd driver for Red Bull just toward the end of the 2022 season. As his return is met jubilantly by the team; even Daniel has shown his loyalties to his former employer. The Aussie driver recently spoke about how the 10% reduction in aero testing is going to hurt the team’s progress in 2023.

On the F1’s Beyond the Grid podcast, Ricciardo stated, “You can’t deny that it [punishment] doesn’t hurt because when it comes to F1, every ‘bit’ counts. Everyone is chasing the last few micro inches [millimeters], whatever — so 10% is a serious number.”

The Honey Badger still addressed how Red Bull can bounce back, despite being handicapped by this penalty. With a great RB18 car, the team must have learned enough from it to develop the 2023 car, which can be still competitive.

Daniel said, “Even if they win in 2023, they could say, ‘Well, we could be 10% better,’ or something like that. It’s [punishment] not ‘nothing’. It’s definitely not ‘nothing’.”

After going over the budget cap limit, the FIA penalized RBR with a $7 million fine and a 10% reduction in aerodynamic testing time. This aero penalty can be a hurdle in the team’s car development for next year.

Read More: Christian Horner Resentfully Accepts FIA’s “Draconian” Penalty, Claims the Impact To Be Significant

Ricciardo’s role may be significant, considering he will be involved in the simulator work for RBR’s car development. Christian Horner has spoken about how Daniel’s role as a reserve driver is crucial for the team in 2023.

How is Daniel Ricciardo helping Red Bull in 2023

Daniel Ricciardo has got a hectic agenda at Milton Keynes to fulfill Red Bull’s vital development role. Besides marketing activities, the Australian driver will also contribute to the car development and set-up adjustment work with the simulator.

Horner had addressed how they are going to thoroughly utilize Ricciardo’s prior experience with the team. It will be massively helpful for Red Bull if Ricciardo can contribute to mitigating the loss of performance they encounter in 2023 if any.

Additionally, Danny Ric is going to share reserve driver duties with Red Bull’s junior Liam Lawson. Though, as Lawson will be occupied in the Super Formula series in Japan; it is possible that Daniel ends up being the reserve stand-by for most races.

Nevertheless, his on-track driving chances may only come during FP1 sessions and testing days. Red Bull would not want either of their drivers to not be fit for any race weekend. But, if such an unlikely scenario happens, they got a capable pair of hands in Daniel.

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How crucial of an impact Ricciardo can have behind the scenes at Red Bull, we shall see in 2023. Though, his vision, experience, and belief in the team are crucial for RBR. Let us know your thoughts on how Daniel Ricciardo is going to be useful for Red Bull.