After an unimpressive two-year stint at McLaren, Daniel Ricciardo decided to take a year off from Formula 1. The Honey Badger, however, did not rule out a third driver’s role before hoping to make a comeback in 2024, though. If rumors are to be believed now, the Aussie driver will join Red Bull as a reserve driver.

Daniel Ricciardo’s series of underwhelming performances saw his 3-year contract cut short by one year. However, he admitted the need to stay away from the sport for a while to gather his thoughts though. Ever since he made his decision public, Ricciardo had an array of teams interested to get him on their team.

Daniel Ricciardo to Red Bull news invites mixed reactions from fans

Teams like Haas were open to having Daniel Ricciardo in their team as a regular driver. But he didn’t take the offer, staying firm on his decision to stay away from regular action on the track. Recently Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff admitted to being in touch with Ricciardo to bring him in as the third driver. Wolff also revealed team Red Bull was in touch with the Australian for the same role as well.

If rumors are to be believed, Red Bull’s adviser Helmut Marko has revealed the deal is done to Sky Germany. Fans had mixed reactions to the news as some felt it was a step backward for the Australian, while others thought Red Bull is his only chance to make a comeback in F1 next year.

One fan thought the decision to play the second fiddle was not the smartest one.

Another fan thought it was a smart move as being linked to big teams like Red Bull and Mercedes could land him a regular seat next season.

One user thought Helmut Marko’s move to bring Ricciardo in was a terrible one.

Another fan was disappointed to see their favorite driver take the reserve role.

While the move is a backward step, at least Daniel will stay in the sport for another year.

Read More: Daniel Ricciardo Enters Possibly the Last Race of His F1 Career With Heavy Disadvantage

To be fair to Ricciardo, the move to Red Bull as a reserve driver is better than a move to Mercedes in the same capacity. Mercedes tout George Russell as their future, while Lewis Hamilton has cleared his intentions of signing a new long-term contract. Promotion to a regular driving role looks like a distant dream at the Silver Arrows.

Mick Schumacher’s fate depends on Daniel Ricciardo’s decision

The hope of returning to the regular driver’s role is arguably more realistic at Red Bull for Daniel Ricciardo. While Max Verstappen looks firm in his seat until he runs out of his long-term contract, the possibilities could open up when Sergio Perez’s contract expires at the end of 2024.

Now that we know Ricciardo’s move to the Milton Keynes-based team might soon be happening, Mercedes could bring in Mick Schumacher. According to Auto Motor und Sport’s Michael Schmidt, a third driver’s role is not that bad of a prospect for the German. Schmidt wrote, “For Schumacher, a reserve driver contract with a team that’s third in the World Championship would not be a step backwards but sideways.”

“He may learn more there than with a small team in racing.”

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Let us see how long it takes for Red Bull to confirm or deny the rumors. Do you think it was the right move for the Honey Badger, or was it a step in the wrong direction?