Ricciardo rumoured for return to Red Bull
DANIEL Ricciardo has been linked with a shock move to Red Bull as rumours continue to swirl about his future in the sport.
While the Australian endured a disastrous qualifying session at the USA Grand Prix – finishing 17th – the latest bombshell on F1 trades has him returning to the team he ditched in 2018.
Many believed Ricciardo would be joining Mercedes given Nyck De Vries’ departure, but Sky F1 pundit Ted Kravitz said he has it on good authority a reunion is on the cards.
“I’ve got some good news for Daniel Ricciardo fans,” Kravitz said after Q1. “He might not have a race seat for next year but we do understand he has closed out the reserve driver seat. He told us on Thursday he will be in the paddock next year.
“We thought Mercedes because they have a vacancy but I’m told it’s not Mercedes which only leaves Red Bull as the team that have a reserve drive on hand at every race.
“It will be quite the return, good to hear when he confirmed to us he will be in the paddock next year.
Ricciardo’s future has been a hot topic of debate and speculation for months since McLaren terminated his contract 12 months early opting to replace him with Australian rookie Oscar Piastri.
After he was unceremoniously ditched there were five seats available for 2023. There is now one left with Haas.
The American team has issued numerous “call us to chat” please to Ricciardo but the 33-year-old is steadfast on his ambition to race at the front of the grid.
Earlier this race weekend Ricciardo had alluded to what 2023 would bring.
“You will see me around,” Ricciardo said.
“It’s going to look different for me, but there is still very much still a plan in place.
“So, it’s not that I am checking out and saying ‘see you later’, it’s far from that.”
Starting 16th in Austin marks the third time in five races Ricciardo has not made it out of Q1
“It’s just how it’s gone this year. I knew when I crossed the line I wasn’t good enough. I’m pretty frustrated,” he said.