In a sensational comeback to F1, Daniel Ricciardo‘s “perfect debut” with AlphaTauri has left Red Bull’s motorsport advisor beaming with satisfaction. After an almost 8-month absence from the grid, Ricciardo showcased his prowess and positive energy, leaving Helmut Marko convinced that signing him was the right decision. Despite a challenging start to the Hungarian GP, where Ricciardo was involved in a first-lap accident, his performance stood out as a testament to his irreplaceable qualities. Yes, the old Ricciardo is back.

The Honey Badger’s journey back to the grid was a calculated move, as he opted to serve as Red Bull’s reserve driver rather than settling for a seat with a backmarker team after being released by McLaren last year. This reserve role allowed him to stay connected to the paddock while also giving him some space from the sport’s day-to-day routine. His opportunity came when AlphaTauri decided to part ways with Nyck de Vries after just 10 races. Ricciardo’s promotion to the Faenza squad marked his full-time return to the grid and an opportunity to showcase his capabilities once again.

During his first race weekend with AlphaTauri, Ricciardo outperformed expectations. He narrowly edged out his teammate Yuki Tsunoda in qualifying. Although an unfortunate first-lap collision hindered his chances of scoring points, Ricciardo’s overall performance left Marko thoroughly pleased with his choice. According to Oe24, the Austrian motorsport advisor remarked, “That was a perfect debut. Daniel would have been in the points [if it wasn’t for the first lap accident]. It was absolutely right to sign him. He brings a positive vibe and energy.”

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With Ricciardo’s undeniable qualities, Red Bull and AlphaTauri now have a driver who can deliver remarkable performances and uplift team spirits. And even Nico Rosberg shares similar feelings to Marko, as he praised Honey Badger’s racing skills.

Nico Rosberg’s Praise for Daniel Ricciardo

During his time at Red Bull from 2014 to 2018, Daniel Ricciardo’s racing prowess earned him numerous podium finishes. Despite being in front-running machinery, Ricciardo found himself behind Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg, who dominated the era alongside his teammate, Lewis Hamilton. Nico Rosberg admits that Ricciardo, along with Max Verstappen, were the 2 drivers who gave him the most cause for concern during his F1 career.

Speaking highly of Ricciardo’s abilities, Rosberg commended his wheel-to-wheel racing skills and sees his return to AlphaTauri with excitement. He believes Ricciardo’s experience will serve the team well. Especially considering AlphaTauri’s current position at the bottom of the constructors’ standings. However, Rosberg also criticizes Ricciardo’s openness about wanting to return to Red Bull, suggesting it might overshadow his focus on performing well with AlphaTauri. The former champion emphasizes that Ricciardo’s success at AlphaTauri should be the primary objective, regardless of any aspirations to rejoin the Red Bull team.

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The racing world eagerly awaits the continuation of Ricciardo’s journey, filled with wheel-to-wheel battles and opportunities to prove his mettle.