Daniel Ricciardo has given his most definitive declaration yet that he will be back in 2024.
The Aussie driver’s future remains uncertain as his return to the Formula 1 paddock at the Australian Grand Prix this weekend — his first race weekend since his farewell from McLaren last year — sent speculation about his future running wild.
A cold hard truth delivered by Sky Sports commentator Ted Kravitz in his post-race show filmed behind the pits at Albert Park prompted Ricciardo’s most emphatic declaration yet that he is not done.
Kravitz told the part-time Red Bull reserve driver to his face that it was not a good look to see him appearing lost while standing at the Red Bull pit wall during the race.
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Ricciardo is reportedly scheduled to appear at eight Grands Prix events this year and it could get excruciating for him by the end if the fires still truly burn within him.
His return would be a dramatic comeback story after he was sacked by McLaren last year after two disappointing seasons and was replaced by Aussie youngster Oscar Piastri.
His current role is widely viewed as a year off, but it might not be as cruisy as it looks from the outside, judging by the look of him at the pit wall and inside the Red Bull garage in Melbourne.
Kravitz said on Sunday night Ricciardo looked “in pain” while watching on as reigning champion Max Verstappen survived the late chaos to win the Australian Grand Prix — the first time Red Bull has taken the chequered flag in Australia since Sebastian Vettel in 2011.
After bumping into Ricciardo during his live TV roaming behind the scenes, Kravitz said exactly that.
“Just a tip. I’m not sure you look good on the pit wall,” Kravitz said.
Ricciardo responded: “I look good in these colours though right?”
Kravitz said the images of Ricciardo made him “sad”.
“You do (look good), but don’t go on the pit wall,” he said.
“It wasn’t a good look. It made me sad.”
Ricciardo’s response was the clearest sign yet about where the West Australian product will be next year.
“Did I look a bit lonely? It’s alright. I can do it for a year,” he said.
“It’s alright. It’s not forever.”
Kravitz half-seriously described Ricciardo’s comments as a “bombshell” as he walked on to the next garage.
He had earlier said Ricciardo was best served trying to stay out of the spotlight when the cars were on the track.
“I just get the sense that he’s starting to feel it a little bit,” he said.
“He’s starting to feel the pain of not being a Formula 1 driver.
“I saw Danny Ricc on the Red Bull pit wall watching the sessions and he looked to be in pain and he looked to be hating it.
“You don’t want to be there Danny Ricc. You don’t want to be there watching everyone go around doing what you used to love.
“It’s not a good place. Don’t do it. Don’t be on the pit wall. It’s much better for Danny Ricc to be in with the engineers which is where he’s been for all the other times, not on the pit wall.”
The 33-year-old said he still has the hunger to drive in F1 again and his love for the sport hasn’t faded.
“The signs are pointing towards getting back on the grid,” Ricciardo said on Thursday.
“I feel like that’s currently where I’m tracking, at least in my head. … I’ve even put myself in scenarios now where I’m like, if I got back on the grid tomorrow, what would I do differently?
“You just don’t have the chance when you’re in it. But I also think that everything happens for a reason.
“Having the chance to step back and just review everything from afar, and with the luxury of time as well, not to be forced to make a decision or rush anything, I feel that if I’m to get back on the grid, I honestly believe I’ll be a better version of myself. A more mature, experienced, complete version.”
Ricciardo is happy with his current situation, and will reassess his options with his team later in the year during F1’s so-called silly season in July.