Ex-Formula 1 driver Gerhard Berger is keen for Red Bull development driver Daniel Ricciardo to claim a place on the grid next season; however, the Austrian is unsure whether the Australian will get the chance to race again at Red Bull.
Ricciardo returned to Red Bull this season in a behind-the-scenes role, following two turbulent seasons racing for McLaren.
By returning to the Milton Keynes-based outfit, the eight-time race winner was somewhat returning to his F1 home, given how much of his career has been spent with the championship leaders.
Being back at Red Bull has helped Ricciardo rediscover his love for the pinnacle of motorsport again, something he lost whilst at McLaren.
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As a result, Ricciardo is keen to return to the grid, something he’s reportedly pushing for.
2023 has certainly been a positive year for the fan favourite, who is currently dating Berger’s 26-year-old daughter, Heidi.
Heidi has gained a lot of attention since dating Ricciardo, someone who Berger seemingly approves of.
“Heidi lives in New York,” Berger told Osterreich newspaper.
“She studies and works in film. Most recently, she was in Tokyo for three months on a Disney shoot.
“I call her regularly and know that she has been travelling with Daniel for two or three years. He’s a likeable, nice guy.”
Berger is certainly hopeful that her daughter’s boyfriend can get a seat for 2024, potentially at Red Bull to replace Sergio Perez.
Should Ricciardo surprisingly replace the Mexican, then Berger would “be happy”; however, the ex-F1 driver doesn’t see it happening.
Berger is unsure whether the 33-year-old would be given a seat by the Red bull family, given that he “doesn’t fit” their philosophy anymore.
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“If he gets another chance at Red Bull now, I’d be happy,” Berger admitted.
“On the other hand, I would be surprised because it doesn’t fit the Red Bull philosophy, which is based on young drivers.”
More about Ricciardo’s future will presumably be known during the summer break, especially as he’s set to drive the RB19 for the first-time next week, in a Pirelli tyre test after this weekend’s British Grand Prix.