Daniel Ricciardo has no fast plans to go racing however even from the sidelines of Method One the Australian will nonetheless be offering one of many sub-plots of the season that begins on March 5.
The 33-year-old eight-time grand prix winner is again at Pink Bull as their third driver for 2023, supporting double world champion Max Verstappen and Mexican Sergio Perez within the simulator.
He can anticipate loads of advertising and marketing and media duties and can also be prone to be referred to as on for crowd-pleasing tire-smoking demonstration runs.
The query is whether or not one of many sport’s hottest characters, who left McLaren on the finish of final 12 months after two robust seasons alongside Lando Norris, could make a comeback in 2024 – and the way hungry he actually is.
Ricciardo, an ever-smiling star of the Netflix docu-series Drive to Surviveinstructed to reporters at Pink Bull’s season launch in New York this month that even he did not actually know the reply.
“I am not essentially seeking to do issues or different races this 12 months,” he stated of his first 12 months off the F1 grid since 2011.
“It may be extra if I’ve acquired free time to go and journey some grime bikes with buddies and journey throughout components of America. One thing like that. Simply do journey issues, just a little bit extra enjoyable, a bit extra light-hearted.
“I do know these items will give me plenty of good head house, readability and a few good life expertise and tales to inform.”
Standing prepared if wanted
Ricciardo stated he was not planning on setting foot within the F1 paddock till his residence race weekend in Melbourne on the finish of March and early April, and was not but “foaming on the mouth” to get behind the wheel.
His long-time coach Michael Italiano has already discovered a brand new job, working with Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda at Pink Bull-owned AlphaTauri.
Ricciardo’s availability will, nevertheless, nonetheless add to the stress on Perez as soon as the racing begins in Bahrain. The Mexican is aware of the staff has a plug-in different if he falls out of favor or fails to carry out to expectations.
Whether or not Ricciardo will get the prospect to reprise his former position as Verstappen’s teammate, and even desires it, stays to be seen. The place else he may go can also be removed from clear.
“By the summer time, in fact, I positively must have an thought of the place I am at so that will be the ‘newest newest’,” stated the Australian of any choice deadline.
“I feel as soon as I get extra concerned within the simulator, spend a while at races and see the others compete… I will know if I am like form of placing myself within the automotive or if I am watching from outdoors, simply having fun with and admiring the racing.”
“I am certain I will get that reply in some unspecified time in the future however I am not placing an actual deadline on it but.
“I form of need it to naturally happen and I feel that can finally give me my clearest reply. An undisturbed reply.”
-AAP
