“Enjoy It While It Lasts”: Daniel Ricciardo Slapped With F1 Legend’s Temporary Homecoming to Issue Brutal Reality Check

“I’ve just got to do a good job and stay on in Formula One for as long as I can.”– said the F1 legend whose homecoming was slapped in Daniel Ricciardo’s face. Ask any F1 fan about who’s the happiest F1 driver and they’re going to reply with a big smile and say “Daniel Ricciardo”. However, the Australian’s comeback comparison with this F1 legend will take that smile away and give Ricciardo a reality check. What is it all about?

Daniel Ricciardo after 2 forgettable years at McLaren decided to take a break from F1 to find his mojo. Turns out, it was Red Bull, the team that started everything for the HoneyBadger, where the Australian found his heart to be. After being the third driver for the team for the first 10 races, Ricciardo was put in the Red Bull sister team after Nyck de Vries got the boot. Many suggested that it is a test for a future Red Bull seat.

However, the hosts of the Race podcast suggested that Daniel Ricciardo is unlikely to be Max Verstappen’s replacement if the Dutchman decides to retire early. The likes of Lando Norris will most probably be Red Bull’s safest bet as they explained how they don’t see the Australian getting a more advanced role in the Red Bull family than what it currently is. Ricciardo’s return was then compared to Kimi Raikkonen’s who left F1 for a couple of seasons and then came back and ended his career with Ferrari comeback, the team he won his only championship with before moving to Alfa Romeo. 

According to The Race F1 podcast, the host said, “I don’t see Ricciardo doing much more than he’s doing now really. In fact, he’s having his Kimi Raikkonen homecoming moment now that he’s back at the team where it kind of all began. So, enjoy it while it lasts.”

Kimi Raikkonen returned to Ferrari as the second driver next to Sebastian Vettel and ended his career with the struggling Alfa Romeo team. His comeback was not the same as when he won the title with Ferrari in 2007, hence Ricciardo being compared to the Iceman’s comeback advises that there will not be one last hurrah. Former F1 driver believes that Daniel Ricciardo will not be Red Bull’s preference if Checo needs to be replaced.

Read More: Daniel Ricciardo’s Last Hurrah With Red Bull Made Max Verstappen “Hit the ‘Reset’ Button” to Unleash the Beast

Lando Norris to pip Daniel Ricciardo as Red Bull’s choice to replace Checo.

Sergio Perez’s underperformance is concerning for Red Bull. In case a competitor turns up with a competitive car for next year, the second driver contribution will be crucial for the constructors’ championship. Johnny Herbert suggested that if Red Bull decides to replace Checo, Lando Norris seems to be the answer. Hence, Daniel Ricciardo’s Red Bull future remains in doubt.

According to motorsportweek.com who quoted OLBG, Johnny Herbert said, “Who do you replace Perez with? They could look at Lando Norris – I don’t know if he can get out of his contract or if there’s a performance clause.”

What do you think? Will Daniel Ricciardo end his career at AlphaTauri?

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