Source – planetf1.com
After leaving Red Bull, Daniel Ricciardo has expressed his desire to assume an ambassadorial role. However, Christian Horner also hinted that Ricciardo would have another chance to race for Red Bull in the future.
Daniel Ricciardo’s journey with Red Bull seems to be reaching another bittersweet chapter as team boss Christian Horner confirmed the Australian will be replaced by Liam Lawson at AlphaTauri, Red Bull’s sister outfit, starting from the United States Grand Prix. This decision has sparked plenty of conversation in the paddock, especially as Ricciardo, beloved by fans and teammates alike, finds himself at another crossroads in his Formula 1 career.
Horner, appearing on the F1 Nation podcast, didn’t shy away from expressing how much Ricciardo will be missed. Known for his infectious smile and larger-than-life personality, Ricciardo has long been a favorite in the paddock, both for his racing skill and his charisma off-track. “Daniel is just a brilliant character, a brilliant human being,” Horner remarked. “He lights up a room when he walks into it. I hope he stays around the sport.”
Though Ricciardo’s departure from the AlphaTauri seat may feel like a blow to some, Horner emphasized that this might not be the end of Ricciardo’s story within the Red Bull family. In fact, he hinted that if Lawson or Sergio Perez — Red Bull’s senior team driver who has had an inconsistent 2024 season — fail to deliver, the door may still be open for Ricciardo to make a return. “We’ve made it very clear that we want him to remain in an ambassadorial capacity with the team,” Horner continued, suggesting that Ricciardo’s time with Red Bull could still evolve in different ways. “If Liam doesn’t get the job done, if Checo doesn’t get the job done… We know what Daniel’s capability is.”
The situation presents a complex landscape for Ricciardo, who was undoubtedly hoping to use this season as a platform for a full-fledged comeback. After making an emotional return to the Red Bull family following difficult stints at Renault and McLaren, Ricciardo had hoped to regain his place within the senior team. The 35-year-old was aiming to reclaim the form that saw him win seven races during his Red Bull career and become one of the grid’s most popular drivers. However, the competition from younger talents like Lawson and the pressure on Perez to maintain his seat have left Ricciardo in an uncertain position.
Lawson, who impressed last year during his substitute appearances, now has the opportunity to prove himself once more. Yet, the shadow of Ricciardo’s legacy looms large. Horner was candid in saying that while Lawson has the chance to solidify his place, Ricciardo’s wealth of experience makes him a formidable fallback option. Ricciardo has never been a driver to shy away from a challenge, and despite his recent struggles, he remains one of the most respected names in the sport.
For his part, Ricciardo has remained relatively quiet since the announcement, offering only a brief social media post to thank fans for their continued support. What’s clear, though, is that Ricciardo isn’t ready to close the door on Formula 1 entirely. Whether he’s racing or contributing in an ambassadorial role, his love for the sport and his team runs deep. And while this chapter of his career may not have unfolded as he had hoped, Horner’s comments suggest that Ricciardo’s story in F1 may still have a few twists left.
Reflecting on Ricciardo’s second stint with Red Bull, Horner admitted that he had hoped for a more triumphant return. “I would have loved to see him use it as a springboard to get back to where he was, to have completed the story, but it wasn’t to be,” Horner said. The sentiment underscores the mutual respect and understanding between the two, despite the recent outcome.
Ricciardo’s journey has been one of thrilling highs and gut-wrenching lows, but through it all, he has maintained a resilience and determination that have earned him a special place in the hearts of many. As F1 moves forward, the sport may see new faces rise through the ranks, but Daniel Ricciardo’s presence — whether in the cockpit or behind the scenes — is something that fans and the paddock alike won’t easily forget. The question now remains: Will Ricciardo’s infectious smile once again light up the grid, or will his next chapter unfold in a different role within the Red Bull family? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Daniel Ricciardo is far from finished with Formula 1.
