Ricciardo tipped for 'DREAM' F1 return...

Ricciardo tipped for ‘DREAM’ F1 return…read more

Daniel Ricciardo is being tipped for a potential “dream” return to Formula 1, just months after his departure from the Jo sport. The Australian driver, who had a tumultuous 2023 season, was dropped by the AlphaTauri team in September, only a year after rejoining the F1 grid following a brief sabbatical. Despite his hopes of earning a permanent seat at Red Bull — the team where he had spent five successful years earlier in his career — Ricciardo struggled to recapture the form that had once made him one of the most sought-after drivers on the grid.

After a series of disappointing performances, AlphaTauri made the decision to replace Ricciardo with young driver Liam Lawson. The 22-year-old Kiwi impressed in his six outings during the latter part of the 2023 season, catching the attention of Red Bull boss Christian Horner. Lawson’s performances were deemed strong enough to secure him a seat with Red Bull for 2025, where he will replace Sergio Perez. This move marked the end of Ricciardo’s brief return to F1 with the Red Bull family.

Since his departure, Ricciardo has largely remained silent on the topic of his future in the sport. Rather than focusing on returning to F1 or publicly discussing his next steps, he has instead opted to spend time away from the media spotlight, pursuing interests outside of racing. Despite receiving offers from various motorsport series around the world, Ricciardo has kept his plans under wraps, leaving fans and pundits alike wondering what’s next for the 35-year-old.

However, Marc “Elvis” Priestley, a former McLaren mechanic and respected F1 broadcaster, has shared his belief that a return to the paddock could be a dream scenario for Ricciardo, but in a different capacity. Priestley, speaking to Casino Uden Rofus, suggested that Ricciardo would make an excellent pundit for F1 broadcasts, given his media-friendly personality and natural charisma. “Ricciardo would be a great pundit, he’s a media dream,” Priestley said. “He has a great presence and would certainly bring something special to any media role in F1.”

While Priestley acknowledged that he didn’t know what Ricciardo’s immediate future holds, he emphasized that the Australian driver has the freedom to choose his next steps, something he hadn’t had during his time in the highly structured and demanding world of F1. “Some drivers decide they want to step away from the car for a while, spend more time with their families and friends, and then after a period, they decide they want to return to the sport in some form,” Priestley continued. “It’s entirely up to Ricciardo, and I have no doubt he’ll pick whatever suits him best.”

This freedom, according to Priestley, is something Ricciardo likely relishes. After years of living in the highly controlled environment of top-tier Formula 1 teams, where every decision and performance is scrutinized, having the option to step back and evaluate his next move on his own terms must feel refreshing. Whether he returns to the grid as a driver or chooses a different path in the motorsport world remains uncertain, but the possibilities seem endless.

Despite his relatively short tenure with AlphaTauri, Ricciardo’s personality and relationship with fans remain strong, and many would welcome him back to the paddock in any capacity. The thought of him transitioning into a pundit or media role, where his engaging and candid nature could shine, has gained traction in recent months. Ricciardo’s affable demeanor and sharp insights into the world of F1 make him an attractive option for broadcasters looking to add a well-respected voice to their coverage.

Moreover, the door to a potential F1 return, whether as a driver or in another role, has not been completely shut. The world of motorsport is often unpredictable, and Ricciardo, with his wealth of experience, could always be lured back to the grid under the right circumstances. For now, though, it seems that Ricciardo is enjoying his time away from the intense pressures of F1, and fans will have to wait and see what his next move will be.

Ultimately, Ricciardo’s future remains a mystery, but one thing is certain: whatever he chooses to do, he has the freedom to make his own decision. His next chapter, whether in F1 or elsewhere, will likely be one that fits his personal aspirations and passions. Fans and pundits alike will continue to watch eagerly for any hints about what lies ahead for one of the sport’s most beloved and charismatic figures.