Troubled times are behind eight-time race winner Daniel Ricciardo with the Aussie poised for a return to the grid for the 2024 season.
Ricciardo reluctantly replaced podiums and triumphs for stimulators and stands. However, come July and Ricciardo will get his first run out in the dominant RB19.
Witnessing the Aussie in the RB19 will surely arouse fascination. Red Bull’s new beast has eradicated all competition thus far winning five out of five races.
Max Verstappen was victorious in Bahrain, Australia, and Miami, whilst Perez won in Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan.
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When speaking with ESPN Ricciardo gave an update on his long-awaited return: “I’ve been in the simulator, but I will drive the RB19 in July after the Silverstone race – I’m getting a Pirelli test.
“Then maybe I’ll get another one after Monza. A couple of months away (and) I’ll get to feel what it’s like.
“I’m certainly excited to drive a fast car, but also a car that maybe still feels familiar for me – it does a little bit in the sim.
“But I’m just excited to drive again and to just try to remind a team (that) obviously I once had a lot of success with, that I can still turn a fast lap.”
Will Ricciardo have a seat next season?
Mclaren parted ways with the Australian last season. Hampered with inconsistency and outshone by Lando Norris, it was a sour send-off for F1’s fan favourite.
It appeared Ricciardo was unwilling to settle for anything but the best and opted to rejoin Red Bull as a reserve.
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In recent weeks reports have begun to circulate suggesting Ricciardo may make a permanent return to the grid racing for AlphaTauri.
A recent visit to the AlphaTauri factory sparked rumours and the current form of rookie Nyck de Vries only adds fuel to the fire.
The Dutch debutante has failed to score a point so far with his best results coming in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia (14th).