Daniel Ricciardo's bold admission 'signs are pointing towards' a return to F1 grid in 2024
Eternal optimist Daniel Ricciardo says "signs are pointing towards" a return to the Formula 1 grid in 2024.
Ricciardo has remained upbeat about his future in what is his first F1 season out of the seat since debuting in 2011.
After being axed by McLaren in 2022, the Perth product signed with Red Bull as its third driver. That, by and large, has seen him complete simulation work and promotional activities.
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Even then, Ricciardo is not guaranteed a start if extraordinary circumstances were to preclude Max Verstappen or Sergio Perez from racing, with Liam Lawson another driver in Red Bull's reserves.
Daniel Ricciardo is confident he'll make a return to the Formula 1 grid in 2024. Mark Thompson via Getty Images
With Verstappen enjoying a purple patch and teammate Perez seemingly happy to play rear-gunner, it would seem unlikely that Red Bull would upset the apple cart by axing the Mexican for Ricciardo.
Nevertheless, the 33-year-old is positive a return in a full-time capacity may be forthcoming in 2024. Exactly who with remains unclear.
"The signs are pointing towards getting back on the grid," said Ricciardo.
"I feel like that's currently where I'm tracking, at least in my head and just a little few other habits that I'm having or doing is pointed towards that.
Daniel Ricciardo made his last Formula 1 start in the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for McLaren. Formula 1 via Getty Images
"It's only been a few months (out of Formula 1) but I think some itches have been scratched, so to speak," he added.
"I've actually weirdly found that the days that I've had no schedule are the days when I've actually done training, and I've done things like I would before.
"It's not being my own boss but kind of writing my own schedule has actually brought out a lot of things in me.
"I thought I'll just sit on the couch and watch movies all day and eat junk food, but I'm not. That's not me.
"So even these things made me realise how much I do care about (Formula 1)."
Red Bull's Max Verstappen (left) and Sergio Perez (right) with reserve driver Daniel Ricciardo. Mark Thompson via Getty Images
Ricciardo is at this year's Australian Grand Prix in his role with Red Bull.
Asked whether being trackside had boosted his enthusiasm for a return, he replied, "The fizz is there."
He was, however, not keen to rock the boat.
"I'm also content being here this weekend and not racing. I'm content just being part of the team," said Ricciardo.
"I'm kind of in a position now, I'm happy to learn from the outside because I think I will see more.
"I feel like I still need a bit of this time to understand a little more, with the perspective I've got to kind of complete me as a driver moving forward.
"So I'm not yet chomping at the bit to get in the car but it does feel good to be here.
"I'm going to sit on the pit wall during the sessions and I'm sure I'll be like watching the drivers pull out of the pits and be like 'oh, it would be cool to be in the car'.
"But I'm not yet foaming at the mouth. I'm still just trying to be a sponge.
"I see the advantage, of course; every driver on the grid now has the advantage of being behind the wheel.
"But I have the advantage of looking at it through a wide-angle lens."
Max Verstappen finished second at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Hassan Ammar via AP Photo
Where can Ricciardo go?
Little has been said of where Ricciardo could end up if not at Red Bull.
Ferrari seemingly has no intention to let go of Charles Leclerc or Carlos Sainz.
The rollercoaster that is Lewis Hamilton's commitment will likely see him re-sign with the Mercedes alongside George Russell.
Aston Martin won't let go of Fernando Alonso and as the son of the team owner, Lance Stroll won't be going anywhere either.
So that leaves Ricciardo to look for a spot at a mid-field team, which won't be McLaren for obvious reasons and might not be Alpine if a grudge is held there - notwithstanding long-term deals for Frech duo Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly.
Haas and Williams were spoken about as options for Ricciardo, but the Australian's desire to be in a competitive car ultimately scuppered a serious look.
That leaves Alfa Romeo, who could conceivably look to Ricciardo if it didn't want Valtteri Bottas or Guanyu Zhou, although that line-up appears safe for now.
Ricciardo does have a link to Alfa Romeo via former McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl who is the team's CEO.
However, the silly season has often thrown up surprises, meaning nothing is guaranteed.
