Not many thought Daniel Ricciardo would be out of a racing seat in 2023 after delivering McLaren’s first race win in over a decade. However, the tides shifted quickly as the Honey Badger joined Red Bull as their reserve driver after mutually terminating his contract with the Papaya team. While many predicted that the win in Monza would be a turning point in Daniel’s career, not many would’ve thought the association would end on such a note.

But what’s done is done for the Australian as he looks forward to the 2023 season from the sidelines. But as things stand, Red Bull boss Christian Horner has some big plans for the Honey Badger.

Christian Horner reveals his shock at Daniel Ricciardo not getting a race seat

Daniel Ricciardo will not be racing next season. The news came as a shock for many fans and colleagues, including Red Bull boss Christian Horner. The British boss later signed him up as a third driver for Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.

Daniel struggled with an enduring spell at McLaren, to say the least. Who was once tipped to fight for the championship, failed to outperform his teammate.

However, despite things not working out for him in the Papaya team, the Red Bull boss was fairly shocked that nobody tried to poach the Aussie driver for their team.

As reported by the Turkish edition of Motorsport, Christian Horner said, “We were surprised to see that Daniel couldn’t find a seat. We plan to have Daniel specifically in the USA because next year three Grand Prix will be held there.” [Translated using Google]

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However, his return to the Milton-Keynes team has certainly raised a few eyebrows. After Sergio Perez’s spat with Max Verstappen in the Brazilian GP, many predict Daniel Ricciardo to replace the Mexican by next season.

Sergio Perez not worried by Ricciardo joining the constructor’s champions

Max Verstappen’s Mexican teammate Sergio Perez is relatively cool about the signing of Ricciardo. Perez is confident about his agreement with Red Bull and welcomed the signing of the Australian to the team.

Sergio Perez told Sky Sports, “I’m pretty relaxed. We live under a lot of pressure all the time, it doesn’t change anything form my side.”

The former Force India driver further continued, “I think it’s a great achievement from the team to have a driver like Daniel. He’s going to contribute a lot to our team.”

Checo also revealed that he is good friends with the Honey Badger and welcomed the arrival of the Australian to the team.

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What do you think will happen next year? Does Daniel Ricciardo replace the Mexican minister of defense on the Milton Keynes-based team?