SUMMARY
- Setting high expectations for 2024, Daniel Ricciardo aims to outperform Yuki Tsunoda and secure a possible return to Red Bull.
- Taking a break allowed Ricciardo to reassess his F1 goals beyond race victories.
Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo made a controversial comeback to the grid during the 2023 F1 season. After he departed from McLaren the year prior, Ricciardo was invited to the sister team of Red Bull, AlphaTauri. The 34-year-old appears to be at a crucial phase in his Formula 1 career. Without Red Bull, the Australian driver’s professional life has not been pleasant.
After taking time off from the racing series in 2023, Ricciardo was able to reflect on his goals in the sport. Although the Honey Badger seemed to believe that the sole method to measure pleasure was via racing victories. He now recognizes there are other ways to judge achievement. Given that he knows his time in F1is is limited, 2024 will be a crucial year that will shape the course of this ‘second chapter’ of his professional life.
Daniel Ricciardo sets high expectations for the 2024 season
When Ricciardo joined Yuki Tsunoda on the grid a second time, with him driving for the Faenza-based team, he was eager to leave his mark. Although Ricciardo has an underlying motive to get back into the Red Bull team, he can do so by outperforming Tsunoda as well as the leading drivers. The eight-time race winner took full advantage of an occasion last summer when Nyck De Vries faltered at AlphaTauri.
How do you see the rest of Daniel Ricciardo’s career panning out? 🤔#Ricciardo #AlphaTauri #Formula1 #F1 pic.twitter.com/xqSo2w56mC
— PlanetF1 (@Planet_F1) December 31, 2023
Daniel Ricciardo has declared his 2024 goals when he stated, “I’m coming from a place of gratitude, but I’m also coming from a place where I’m going all in. And I will expect results out of myself. I will expect to do things like I did in Mexico [where he qualified 4th] and turn some heads. And have some people saying ‘Oh, he’s still got it,’ because I believe I can.”
When it comes to Red Bull, where Sergio Perez is being closely evaluated, Ricciardo appears to be the best candidate for a promotion. However, this option was turned down for the time being by Christian Horner.
Red Bull contemplating its preference towards the Australian in the team
According to reports, the hype around Daniel Ricciardo’s possible takeover from Sergio Perez following the 2024 Formula 1 season has dwindled. While his 3x champion teammate, Max Verstappen outperformed the rest of the grid, Perez struggled with his qualifying challenges. This was also the primary reason why questions were raised and prompted rumors that Red Bull may replace him.
#F1 world champion Alan Jones reckons his compatriot Daniel Ricciardo has lost his chance for a Red Bull seat.
✍️ @Formula_Nerds#DanielRicciardo #RedBullRacing
— PlanetF1 (@Planet_F1) December 31, 2023
When the gossip went away, Perez was able to lock down a spot on the team for 2024. Still, the Mexican’s future with Red Bull will be influenced by this upcoming season. According to an update provided by Motorsport.com, Red Bull could stop looking for ways to advertise any of its current drivers soon.
The shift in strategy hints that contrary to popular belief, Ricciardo may not be a natural pick to succeed Perez.