Daniel Ricciardo will drive a 2023 RB19 for the first time in a Pirelli tire test after the British GP in July; The Australian hopes to remind Red Bull that he “can still do it” as he aims to return to the F1 grid in 2024; Ricciardo says he feels he still has “unfinished business” in Formula 1
Daniel Ricciardo feels he still has “unfinished business” in Formula 1 and hopes to remind Red Bull that he “can still do it” when he drives the RB19 in July.
The Australian returned to Red Bull over the winter as the third driver after McLaren terminated his contract a year earlier after two difficult seasons with the Woking-based team.
Ricciardo took seven of his eight grand prix victories during his first spell with Red Bull between 2014 and 2018.
The 33-year-old will drive this year’s Red Bull for the first time during a Pirelli tire test after the British GP in July and hopes to give the team something to think about as they aim for a full-time return to the grid. in 2024.
“I’m really enjoying this year and I think I’ll continue to enjoy it, but for next year I think I’ll certainly be looking forward to getting back on the grid and racing,” Ricciardo said. Sky Sports News’ Craig Slater at the Miami GP.
“I feel like there are still some unfinished business.
“I’m still doing the simulator. I’ll get in the car in July to get back behind the wheel.”
“I’m sure that will really stimulate me and bring all those feelings back to me.
“Naturally I’ll push myself a bit on that and try to remind the team that I can still do it. We’ll see where it goes.”
Whether Red Bull will have an open seat for Ricciardo in 2024 is another question.
Championship leader Max Verstappen is under contract until 2028 and is not going anywhere, while Sergio Perez’s current contract expires at the end of next season.
The two drivers look set to battle it out for the 2023 world championship, with Verstappen holding a 14-point lead over Perez after the victory in Miami.
Sky Sports F1’s Jenson Button said of Ricciardo’s prospects: “It’s tricky. It’s highly unlikely he’ll be in a Red Bull; both drivers are doing an incredible job. So that’s highly unlikely.”
“There’s always AlphaTauri as an option, right?”
Red Bull’s sister team AlphaTauri have no confirmed drivers yet for 2024. Yuki Tsunoda has taken two points so far in 2023, but rookie teammate Nyck de Vries has had a rocky start to his F1 career. , being involved in several collisions and is one of two drivers without points so far.
Ricciardo has also repeatedly said that his ambition remains to return to the grid with a “top team” rather than one in the lower echelons of midfield.
Meanwhile, the Australian is making sure he stays fit enough to jump back into a Formula 1 car when the opportunity arises.
“I know I will be ready to put myself in a position to get back on the grid next year,” Ricciardo said.
“I’m staying in shape. I’m giving myself a little mental time, but I love playing sports and I love being active, so I haven’t allowed myself to get too out of shape.”
Formula 1 returns to Imola for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix from May 19-21. Watch each session live at sky sports f1 including the race starting at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 21.
